The Israeli military announced that it launched airstrikes on “military targets” belonging to the Houthis in Yemen, including “ports and energy infrastructure,” in response to the interception of a missile launched by the group toward Israel. In a statement, the military said its aircraft conducted “precise strikes targeting Houthi military targets in Yemen, including ports and energy infrastructure… used by the Houthis for their military activities,” according to the army’s narrative. This announcement came shortly after the military revealed it had successfully intercepted a missile launched from Yemen, with warning sirens sounding in central Israel to alert residents of potential falling debris from the interception. Al-Masirah TV reported that several strikes targeted the central power stations of Hizz and Dhabban, south and north of the Yemeni capital, Sana’a, while other strikes hit the western coastal province of Hodeidah, including Hodeidah Port and the Ras Isa oil facility, causing nine casualties, including deaths and injuries.
Since November 2023, the Houthis have been launching attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden from areas under their control in Yemen. They claim these actions are in “support” of Palestinians in Gaza, where a devastating war has been ongoing between Israel and Hamas since October 7, 2023. In July 2024, a drone explosion in Tel Aviv, carried out by the Houthis, killed an Israeli civilian. In retaliation, Israel launched strikes on the coastal province of Hodeidah in Yemen. Additionally, the Houthis, who control large parts of Yemen, regularly attack ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, alleging connections to Israel, the U.S., or the U.K. These attacks have significantly disrupted maritime traffic in this critical global trade route.
Israel’s public broadcaster reported that the Israeli military is preparing to launch an attack on Yemen, with unanimous support within the security establishment for such a move. Israeli media indicated a consensus among security officials to target the Houthis due to the increasing frequency of their missile attacks on Israeli territory. The broadcaster’s statement read, “Israel is preparing to attack the Houthis in Yemen after successfully intercepting a drone and ballistic missile launched towards the country on Monday.” It added, “Four days ago, the Israeli military assessed that the Houthis are attempting to take the lead in what remains of Iran’s regional axis of evil, following an increase in launches on Israeli territory last week, including four drones of the ‘Jaffa’ type. The Air Force intercepted two drones, while the other two reportedly crashed in open areas.”
According to Kan 11, the Israeli military acknowledges the Houthis’ growing involvement in attacks against Israel, reportedly instigated by Iran. They are said to be targeting critical Israeli assets such as the ports of Ashdod and Haifa, power stations, and offshore gas platforms. The broadcaster noted that the Houthis have devised flight paths to challenge Israel’s air defense systems, including routes originating from Sinai, crossing the Mediterranean via Egyptian Delta regions, then moving northward and entering Israel through Gaza’s northern borders. Kan 11 emphasized that Israeli military and air force leaders consider it essential to address the threat emanating from Yemen, requiring enhanced intelligence focus.
Haaretz reported that a senior Israeli military official informed journalists last week that the Air Force is preparing for what it described as the “next major mission.” The official hinted that the operation might receive support from the new U.S. administration under President-elect Donald Trump, especially since it targets Iran. Regarding Iran, Channel 13 military correspondent Or Heller described the current situation as a potential opportunity for Israel to expand its military operations toward Iran, suggesting a shift of focus eastward after intense actions in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria. Alon Ben-David, Channel 13’s military affairs analyst, highlighted the Air Force’s significant focus on Iran as a primary target in the coming period.
