Israel Launches Retaliatory Airstrikes on Houthi Targets in Yemen

The Israel Defence Forces conducted airstrikes on Houthi military targets in Yemen's Al Hudaydah Port, following recent attacks on Israel. The strikes followed a Houthi drone attack in Tel Aviv that resulted in casualties. This marks the first direct Israeli action against Yemeni rebels.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) announced on Saturday that IDF fighter jets targeted Houthi military installations in Yemen's Al Hudaydah Port in response to recent attacks on Israel. The IDF confirmed the strikes in a post on X, citing them as a reaction to hundreds of attacks on the State of Israel in recent months.

Following Israel's statement, the Houthi-run Al Masirah TV reported airstrikes hitting oil facilities in Hodeidah, leading to deaths and injuries. Houthi spokesperson Mohammed Abdulsalam accused Israel of targeting civilian infrastructure, including oil tanks and a power station, to worsen Yemen's suffering and pressure it to halt support for Gaza.

The airstrikes came a day after a Houthi drone attack in Tel Aviv killed one and injured at least 10. The Houthis claimed the Tel Aviv attack was a response to Israel's war in Gaza and stated that the drone used bypassed Israel's interception systems. Israel cited the death of a citizen as the reason for the retaliatory airstrikes.

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant emphasized that Israeli citizens' blood carries a price, warning that similar results would follow any attacks on Israelis, akin to reactions in Lebanon and Gaza. He stated, "The fire burning in Hodeidah is visible across the Middle East, and the implications are clear. We will strike wherever necessary."

Since last October, Yemeni rebels have consistently targeted Israel with drones and missiles, largely intercepted by the IDF. They have also targeted US interests and commercial vessels in the Red Sea, leading to US and UK strikes on Houthi positions. However, this is Israel's first direct strike on Yemeni soil.

An Israeli defence official confirmed to CNN that this was an entirely Israeli operation, noting that Israel had allowed the US and UK to lead responses to Houthi attacks previously. The recent Tel Aviv incident prompted Israel's direct action. Defence Minister Yoav Gallant informed US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin pre-strike. The official added that Israel's swift response was due to months of preparation for such a scenario.

A White House official stated that US President Joe Biden was briefed on the Middle East developments, while a National Security Council spokesperson confirmed the US did not coordinate the airstrikes but acknowledged Israel's self-defence right.

(With inputs from agencies.)