In a recent development, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that the port of Hodeidah in Yemen is not innocent, stating that it serves as a crucial entry point for weapons coming from Iran, the main supporter of the Houthi rebels. The Israeli army responded to a drone attack claimed by the Houthis with strikes on military targets in Hodeidah, citing numerous previous attacks on Israel as justification.
The Houthi government in Sanaa reported that the strikes hit oil storage facilities and a power plant, resulting in civilian casualties. In retaliation, the Houthis vowed to target vital Israeli sites. Netanyahu labeled the Houthis as part of Iran’s axis of evil, along with Hamas and Hezbollah, and called for international efforts to counter Iran’s aggression.
Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari emphasized that the strikes were solely carried out by the IDF in self-defense against Houthi attacks. This escalation marks the first Israeli strikes on Yemeni soil in the ongoing conflict, adding to existing tensions in the region where Israel is already engaged in battles against Iranian proxies.
The conflict intensified after the Houthis claimed responsibility for a drone attack in Tel Aviv that resulted in one death and multiple injuries. The group has targeted Israel before, citing solidarity with the Palestinian cause. The recent events highlight the complex web of conflicts involving Israel, Iran, and various regional actors in a volatile region.
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