Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that the port of Hodeidah is not an “innocent port,” highlighting its role as a key entry point for weapons from Iran to the Houthi rebels in Yemen. In response to a drone attack claimed by the Houthi rebels that resulted in one death in Tel Aviv, the Israeli army has conducted strikes on multiple Houthi targets in western Yemen.
The strike targeted military sites in Hodeidah, with the Israeli Defense Forces stating that it was in retaliation for numerous attacks against Israel in recent months. The Houthi-run government in Yemen reported that oil storage facilities and a power plant were hit, leading to civilian casualties. In response, a spokesperson for the Houthis condemned Israel’s actions as “blatant aggression” and vowed to target vital Israeli interests.
Netanyahu emphasized that the Houthi rebels, like Hamas and Hezbollah, are part of Iran’s “axis of evil” that poses a threat to global peace. The Israeli military clarified that the strike was solely carried out by the IDF and that no other parties were involved. These strikes mark the first Israeli offensive action on Yemeni soil, potentially escalating tensions in the region as Israel continues to combat Iranian proxies in Lebanon and Syria.
The incident comes after the Houthis claimed responsibility for a drone attack in Tel Aviv that resulted in one death. The rebel group has targeted Israel with drones and missiles throughout the ongoing conflict in solidarity with the Palestinian cause. Despite the Houthi’s claims, many of their attacks have hit vessels in the Red Sea that have no direct connection to Israel.
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