Israel Launches Airstrikes on Yemen Ports, Threatening Broader Conflict

Late Sunday night, Israel initiated a series of airstrikes targeting ports along Yemen's Red Sea coast in the western Hodeidah Province. The attacks occurred shortly after the Israeli military issued an evacuation warning on social media. Witnesses reported explosions in multiple locations, including the port of Hodeidah.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the strikes focused on what were identified as Houthi strongholds. These included the ports of Hodeidah, As Salif, and Ras Isa, along with the Ras Katib power station and the Galaxy Leader, a vessel seized by Houthi forces in November 2023.

The Israeli military asserted that the targeted ports were utilized by the Houthis to receive weapons from Iran, which were then employed in attacks against Israel and its allies. The military also indicated that the Galaxy Leader possessed a radar system used to monitor vessels in the Red Sea, supporting further militant operations.

Katz hinted at a potential escalation, stating that Yemen would face similar consequences as Tehran. He emphasized that anyone attempting to harm Israel would be harmed in return, and the Houthis would continue to bear the consequences of their actions.

Earlier on Sunday, a missile launched by Houthi forces triggered air raid sirens in southern Israel. The missile was intercepted without causing any injuries, according to the Israeli military. The Houthis claimed the missile was a hypersonic weapon aimed at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv.

Israel has conducted multiple strikes on key ports and infrastructure in Yemen in recent months. These actions are in response to the Houthis' ongoing missile attacks against Israel, which the Houthis have stated are in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.