In a swift response to a missile fired from Yemen that struck an area near Ben Gurion Airport, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) launched a significant wave of airstrikes targeting Houthi positions within Yemen. Reports indicate that approximately 20 Israeli fighter jets were involved in the operation, marking a notable escalation in the ongoing tensions between Israel and the Iran-backed Houthi rebels.
The Houthi missile strike on Sunday represented the first instance of a missile impacting the grounds of Israel’s primary airport since the commencement of the current hostilities involving the group. While initial reports suggested possible US involvement in the retaliatory strikes, a US defense official clarified that the US did not participate in the Israeli operation on Monday. These strikes were also confirmed to be separate from Operation Rough Rider, the ongoing US military campaign against the Houthis aimed at preventing attacks on Red Sea shipping.
According to reports from Yemen, the Israeli airstrikes focused on targets in the Hodeidah Governorate, with a large fire reported in the Bajil district following the military action. This marked the sixth Israeli strike in Yemen since the beginning of the war and the first such action since January, indicating a renewed and forceful response to the Houthi threat. Notably, the IDF had previously reduced its direct response to Houthi missile and drone fire targeting Israel after the US initiated its more extensive aerial campaign against the group several months prior.
Prior to the Israeli operation, reports from Yemen also indicated US strikes near the capital city of Sanaa. The Houthi-run Saba news agency attributed these strikes to “American aggression,” claiming they targeted areas on Arbaeen Street and the airport road, resulting in injuries.
Following the Israeli airstrikes, Houthi media outlets accused both Israel and the US of being behind the attacks. Nasruddin Amer, head of the Houthi media office, stated that such strikes would not deter the group, vowing a response to the latest Israeli escalation with further escalation.
The Israeli military has issued warnings indicating that its retaliation for the Houthi attack will not be a singular event and that further actions should be expected. This message is seen as a direct communication not only to the Houthi group but also to their primary backer, Iran.
This exchange of attacks underscores the widening scope of the regional conflict and the increasing involvement of various actors.The initial Houthi missile strike on Ben Gurion Airport was a significant development, and Israel’s robust response with a substantial number of fighter jets signals a determination to counter the perceived threat emanating from Yemen. The situation remains highly volatile, with both sides signaling their intent to continue engaging in military actions, raising concerns about further escalation and the potential for a broader conflict in the region. International efforts to de-escalate the tensions and encourage a peaceful resolution are likely to intensify in the wake of these latest events.
