Israel has issued a warning to target the leadership of the Iran-aligned Huthi rebels in Yemen following airstrikes on two ports controlled by the rebels. This action was prompted by a series of missile attacks from the Huthis in recent days.
Earlier this month, the Huthis had agreed to suspend international transport firing in the Red Sea after increased U.S. airstrikes in areas under their control, with support from the UK. Despite this, the rebels have vowed to continue their assaults on Israel, launching three missiles this week that triggered air raid alerts in major urban centers.
According to Huthis’ Al-Masirah Television, strikes were reported in the Red Sea port city of Hodeida, which is critical for humanitarian aid, and at the Salif port further north, although no casualty details were provided.
The Israeli military confirmed strikes on the two ports, claiming to have “dismantled a terrorist infrastructure site” linked to the Huthi rebels. They also mentioned that civilians were warned in advance about the attacks.
A military statement criticized the ports for being used for arms transport and highlighted the exploitation of civil infrastructure by the Huthis for military purposes.
The Huthis, who have been in control of Yemen for over ten years, began targeting Israel-related shipping in November 2023, shortly after the onset of hostilities between Israel and Hamas. They later declared their intent to broaden their attacks on Israel in solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Huthi leaders that further action would be taken after the recent airstrike. He emphasized that Israel would not simply remain passive while being targeted, indicating that they would intensify their attacks against both the Huthis’ leadership and their operational infrastructure.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz threatened that Huthi leaders could meet a similar fate as Hamas leaders who were killed in Gaza if the missile strikes continue. He stated that the ongoing attacks would lead to the elimination of Huthi leader Abd al-Malek al-Huthi.
Earlier in May, a Huthi missile reached near Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion airport, injuring several individuals and breaching Israeli air defenses. In response, Israel carried out strikes on Sanaa, the Huthi-controlled capital, and targeted three power stations nearby.
UN envoy for Yemen, Hans Grandberg, described the cycle of exchanges as a “dangerous escalation,” highlighting the broader tensions affecting the already war-torn nation.
