Israel Strikes Houthi Targets in Yemen in Response to Escalating Attacks

Israel launched airstrikes on Houthi-controlled targets across Yemen, including key infrastructure at Sanaa International Airport, in retaliation to a series of missile and drone attacks launched by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels. The airstrikes, which hit several locations, are a response to the continued threat posed by Houthi military activities against Israel.

Airstrikes Target Houthi Military Infrastructure and Iranian Interests
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) focused their strikes on Houthi military assets used for transferring Iranian weapons and facilitating the entry of Iranian officials. Targets included Sanaa’s international airport, major power plants, and ports such as Hodeida and Ras Kanatib. These locations were identified as critical to the Houthi’s operations, which include facilitating military aid from Iran. Israeli officials confirmed that the strikes were intended to undermine the Houthi regime’s ability to continue its offensive activities in the region.

Missile Threats and Retaliation Escalate Tensions
The airstrikes followed a missile launched by the Houthi rebels earlier in the week, which triggered air raid sirens across central Israel. Although the missile was intercepted before entering Israeli territory, fragments from the interception fell in several Israeli towns. The attack marked the fourth time in a week that Houthi missiles had targeted Israel. This escalation follows a previous attack on Saturday that injured 16 people in Tel Aviv after Israel’s air defense system failed to intercept the missile.

Global Concerns and International Reactions
The World Health Organization’s Director General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, reported being at Sanaa airport during the Israeli airstrikes and confirmed that one member of the UN plane’s crew was injured. Meanwhile, Israel’s foreign minister has called for an emergency meeting at the UN Security Council to address the increasing Houthi missile attacks and the group’s support from Iran. Israel continues to highlight the risk of Iranian-backed militias destabilizing the region, as evidenced by the ongoing attacks on Israeli soil.

Israeli Military Strategy and Future Responses
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and defense officials, including IDF Chief of Staff Lt Gen Herzi Halevi, approved the strikes against the Houthi regime. This is part of Israel’s broader strategy to neutralize the growing missile threat from Yemen and prevent the further proliferation of Iranian weapons to hostile groups in the region. Israel’s military actions are expected to continue as tensions rise, with no immediate resolution in sight.