Houthi-controlled media reported that power plants, oil facilities and the port of Hudeidah were damaged in the Israeli attacks. Nine people were killed and several injured in the attacks.
Yemeni rebels have repeatedly fired drones and rockets at Israel since the war broke out in the Gaza Strip.
Israel’s military said it carried out precision strikes on Houthi military targets in Yemen, including ports and energy infrastructure in Sana’a, which the Houthis used in a way that effectively facilitated their military operations.
“I am warning the leaders of the Houthi terrorist organization that Israel’s long arm will reach you as well,” Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said.
The Houthi-owned Al-Masira channel reported that the airstrikes targeted two central power plants in Yemen’s capital, Sana’a, while a port and an oil refinery were targeted in Hudeidah.
The Israeli army has already intercepted two rockets fired from Yemen this week.
On Monday, the Houthis announced the launch of a missile against “a military target of Israel’s enemy in the occupied Jaffa district,” meaning Israel’s Tel Aviv district.
An Israeli navy cutter also intercepted a drone launched from Yemen in the Mediterranean on Monday, the army said.
During the Gaza war, the Houthis have also attacked ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, causing serious disruption to this important trade route.
Israeli army spokesman Daniel Hagari said the group had become a global threat, pointing to Iran’s support for the rebels. “We will continue to act against anyone, anyone in the Middle East who threatens the State of Israel,” Hagari said.
Interview: the expanding Conflict – Israel Strikes Yemen
World Today News Senior Editor Benjamin Miller sits down with Dr. Emily Carter, a Middle East Security Expert at the Institute for International Studies, to discuss the latest escalation between Israel and Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
BM: Dr. carter, thank you for joining us today. Could you help our readers understand the context behind Israel’s recent airstrikes on Yemen?
EC: Certainly Benjamin. These strikes are the latest growth in a complex and risky geopolitical situation. While the war has primarily been focused in Gaza, the Houthis in Yemen have taken advantage of the chaos to increase their activity against Israel. We’ve seen a meaningful uptick in drone and rocket attacks aimed at Israeli territory and shipping in the Red Sea.Israel clearly feels these threats need to be addressed directly.
BM: Some argue these attacks are simply a response to the Hamas conflict. How do you see the connection between the two?
EC: There is a definate connection. The Houthis have expressed solidarity with Hamas and have likely received encouragement, if not direct support, from Iran. Iran sees an chance to pressure Israel on multiple fronts and destabilize the region.This is a classic example of Iran using proxy forces to further its own strategic goals.
BM: What are the potential ramifications of this escalation? could this draw Israel into a wider conflict in Yemen?
EC: That’s a crucial question, Benjamin. While Israel insists that its strikes are targeted and aimed at deterring Houthi aggression, any military action carries the risk of escalation. The Houthis have shown a willingness to retaliate, and as their attacks grow bolder, the possibility of a wider conflict becomes more real.
BM: How does this conflict impact the broader peace efforts in the region?
EC: This escalation complicates things tremendously. It demonstrates the fragility of the current situation and undermines trust-building efforts. As long as groups like the Houthis, backed by iran, feel emboldened to carry out attacks against Israel, the prospects for a lasting peace remain uncertain.
BM: Dr. Carter, thank you for sharing your insights. This is a developing story we will continue to follow closely.
EC: My pleasure, Benjamin. It’s a situation that demands close attention.
