Israeli forces launched strikes in the Yemeni port city of Hodeida on Monday, targeting Iran-backed Houthis in response to ongoing missile attacks on Israel, particularly incidents that almost hit the main airport in Tel Aviv. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) indicated that their fighter jets focused on port cities along Yemen’s coast and specific concrete factories.
According to the IDF, the facility struck at Hodeida Port was believed to support the Houthi terrorist regime, being a key location for relocating Iranian weapons and military supplies intended for terror purposes.
Furthermore, the IDF reported that they engaged with a concrete factory essential for Houthi operations, suggesting it was utilized for constructing underground tunnels and other infrastructure linked to terrorism.
During the Israeli airstrikes, the Houthis retaliated with missiles and drones, which the IDF acknowledged were launched by both the Houthis and civilians in the region.
In a related note, parents of hostages taken by Hamas have urged former President Trump to adopt a firmer stance towards both allies and adversaries amid Israel’s ongoing efforts in Gaza.
The strikes followed a surge in attacks from the Houthis since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, aimed at disrupting commercial transport across the Red Sea. The U.S. Navy had also been involved in the area, conducting repeated airstrikes against the Houthis, who are reportedly funded and trained by Iran.
The recent Israeli strikes are seen as retaliation for a Houthi missile attack that nearly targeted Ben Gurion airport, prompting several international airlines to halt flights to Israel.
Notably, Israeli media reported that both Israeli and U.S. missile defenses were bypassed during these events. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged a response to the attacks on Sunday.
