On Saturday, Israel conducted airstrikes on Hodeidah, a port city in Yemen controlled by the Houthi rebel group, in response to a drone attack by the Houthis on Tel Aviv. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the strikes targeted military and dual-use facilities, including oil storage and a power station. This marks the first Israeli military action in Yemen.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu justified the strikes as retaliation for the Houthi drone attack on Tel Aviv, which killed one Israeli citizen and injured others. Netanyahu emphasized that the operation aimed to demonstrate Israel’s capability to respond to threats and to deter further aggression. The IDF also cited ongoing Houthi missile and drone attacks on Israeli territory and maritime targets as reasons for the escalation.
The Houthi-controlled Al Masirah TV reported that the Israeli strikes resulted in at least three deaths and 87 injuries, many from severe burns. The Houthis condemned the strikes as “brutal aggression” and vowed retaliation against Israeli targets. Houthi military spokesperson Yehya Saree criticized the strikes for targeting civilian infrastructure and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.
International reactions have been mixed. The U.S. and U.K., which have previously conducted strikes against Houthi targets, did not coordinate with Israel on this operation but affirmed Israel’s right to self-defense. Meanwhile, Iranian officials condemned the strikes, attributing the escalation to Israel’s actions in Gaza and suggesting that Yemen’s suffering was a consequence of regional conflicts.
The airstrikes have raised concerns about further humanitarian impacts in Yemen, where the port of Hodeidah is a critical hub for imports. Analysts warn that the destruction of oil facilities and power infrastructure could lead to severe fuel shortages and additional suffering for the Yemeni population.
Supportive Perspective:
Israeli officials and supporters argue that the airstrikes on Hodeidah were a necessary response to the Houthi drone attack on Tel Aviv, which resulted in the death of an Israeli citizen. They maintain that the strikes targeted military facilities and critical infrastructure used by the Houthis to further their attacks on Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that the operation was intended to demonstrate Israel’s resolve and capability to defend itself, and to deter future attacks by the Houthis and their allies
Critical Perspective:
Critics, including Houthi representatives and various international observers, condemn the Israeli strikes as an act of aggression that disproportionately affects civilians and exacerbates the humanitarian crisis in Yemen. They argue that the attacks targeted vital infrastructure such as oil facilities and a power station, which are crucial for the daily lives of Yemeni civilians. The strikes have reportedly caused severe damage and suffering, further complicating the dire situation in Yemen. Additionally, some analysts suggest that the strikes could lead to increased Houthi mobilization and further regional conflict.