According to report, On Saturday, Israel conducted significant airstrikes on the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah in Yemen. The strikes came a day after Israeli officials vowed retaliation for a drone attack on Tel Aviv. The attack on Tel Aviv had marked a shift in the ongoing conflict, as it resulted in one death and injured at least ten people, raising the stakes between the two regions.
The airstrikes in Hodeidah ignited a large blaze, targeting a refinery and electricity infrastructure. This event marked the first direct Israeli attack on Yemen since the Houthi rebels began their missile and drone campaigns against Israel last year. Until the Tel Aviv incident, Israel had successfully intercepted all incoming attacks from the Houthis, underscoring the significance of the recent drone strike on Tel Aviv.
The Almasirah television channel, affiliated with Yemen's Houthi movement, reported the airstrikes on Saturday evening. Images shared on social media depicted extensive smoke and fire near the port, illustrating the intensity of the bombardment. According to the channel, the strikes resulted in the deaths of at least three people and wounded 87 others, highlighting the human cost of the escalating conflict.
In response to the drone strike by the Houthis, Israel stated that the airstrikes were a direct retaliation. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that their fighter jets targeted military sites in Hodeidah Port, citing the need to respond to the numerous attacks launched against Israel in recent months. The IDF's statement reflects the ongoing tension and the broader regional implications of this confrontation.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant commented on the strikes, indicating the broader strategic message behind the operation. He emphasized that the airstrikes were a direct consequence of the Houthi attacks and served as a warning to any group contemplating similar actions against Israel. Gallant's remarks underscore the heightened vigilance and readiness of Israel to respond to threats from various fronts in the region.
Defence minister Yoav Gallant said "the fire that is currently burning in Hodeidah is seen across the Middle East and the significance is clear...
"The first time that they harmed an Israeli citizen, we struck them. And we will do this in any place where it may be required".
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