The Israeli Air Force launched a precision strike on fuel depots, energy-related sites, and other facilities at the Hodeidah port, resulting in three fatalities and 87 injuries, according to Times of Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stern warning to Israel's adversaries on Saturday, stating that the country's airstrike on a Houthi-controlled port in Yemen demonstrates its ability to reach any target.
The Israeli Air Force launched a precision strike on fuel depots, energy-related sites, and other facilities at the Hodeidah port, resulting in three fatalities and 87 injuries, according to Times of Israel.
The attack sparked massive fires, underscoring Israel's military capabilities and its willingness to take bold action.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) justified the airstrike on the Hodeidah port in Yemen, citing its repeated use as a hub for Iranian weapons shipments.
This made it a legitimate military target in Israel's eyes. The strike marks a significant escalation, being the first IDF operation in Yemen since the Houthis began launching numerous attacks against Israel and Red Sea shipping routes.
These attacks were purportedly in support of the Palestinians, following Hamas's October 7 assault on Israel, which sparked the ongoing Gaza conflict.
The airstrike also followed a recent Houthi drone attack on Tel Aviv, which resulted in the death of one Israeli civilian and injuries to several others, further highlighting the escalating tensions in the region.
“I have a message for Israel’s enemies – don’t be mistaken about us,” Netanyahu said in a televised statement. “We will protect ourselves in every way, on every front. Anyone who harms us will pay a very heavy price for his aggression.”
“The port we attacked is not an innocent port,” he added. “It was used as an entry point for deadly weapons supplied to the Houthis by Iran.”
Israel emphasized that the airstrike served as a warning not only to the Houthis but also to Iran and its other regional proxies, including Hamas and Hezbollah.
The latter has been perpetrating near-daily attacks on Israeli communities and military positions along the northern border since October 8.
By targeting the Hodeidah port, Israel aimed to convey a clear message to these groups that their actions will not go unchallenged.
This strike demonstrates Israel's determination to protect its citizens and defend its borders against the threats posed by Iran's vast network of proxy forces in the region.
“The fire that is currently burning in Hodeida is seen across the Middle East and the significance is clear,” Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said in a video statement.
“The Houthis attacked us over 200 times. 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.”
“The blood of Israeli citizens has a price. This has been made clear in Lebanon, in Gaza, in Yemen and in other places — if they dare to attack us, the result will be identical,” Gallant warned.
Foreign Minister Israel Katz said Iran must be stopped, describing it as the head of the snake.
He said, “Israel delivered a severe blow to the Iranian-backed terror organization in Yemen today.
“We will strike anyone who strikes us. Iran supports, trains, and finances the Houthi terror organization as part of its regional network of terror organizations aimed at attacking Israel.
“This is the time for the international community to maximize sanctions on Iran - under its direction, the Houthis are severely damaging Freedom of the seas and trade routes.
“Iran is the head of the snake - it must be stopped now.”