Israel has launched a series of airstrikes on Houthi-controlled territories in Yemen, targeting key infrastructure and port facilities in response to ongoing drone and missile attacks launched from the region.
The Israeli military confirmed on Monday that approximately 20 fighter jets struck multiple sites, including the ports of Hudaydah, Ras Issa, and al-Salif, as well as a power station in Ras Kanatib. Among the targets was the hijacked cargo ship Galaxy Leader, which Israeli authorities claim the Houthis have repurposed to monitor maritime activity using radar systems allegedly linked to Iranian support.
Military officials stated that the strikes were aimed at disrupting Iranian weapons transfers and dismantling Houthi intelligence networks in the region.
“Anyone who raises a hand against Israel will have their hand cut off,” warned Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, underscoring the likelihood of further military retaliation.
In response, the Houthi movement said it had repelled the Israeli assault and retaliated with a combined missile and drone attack on strategic locations in Israel, including Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport, ports in Ashdod and Eilat, and a power station in Ashkelon. The group’s spokesperson, Yahya Sarea, claimed responsibility for the counterattack.
No immediate casualties were reported on either side, though air raid sirens were activated across southern Israel and the occupied West Bank. The Israeli military said assessments were ongoing regarding the effectiveness of its air defense systems.
Since the outbreak of the Gaza war in October 2023, the Iran-aligned Houthi rebels have intensified their missile and drone campaigns against Israel, citing solidarity with Palestinians. These actions have severely disrupted international shipping in the Red Sea, with several vessels attacked, seized, or sunk.
On Sunday, the Liberian-flagged cargo ship Magic Seas, operated by a Greek company, came under heavy assault in the Red Sea. According to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), the ship was targeted with gunfire, RPGs, sea drones, and missiles, causing cargo damage and a fire onboard. The crew was later rescued by a nearby merchant ship.
The Houthis confirmed they carried out the attack, accusing the vessel of violating their ban on ships entering Israeli ports, though further details remain unclear.
Despite a short-lived U.S.-brokered ceasefire in May, the Houthis have maintained their attacks on Israeli-linked interests, rejecting international mediation and vowing to continue their campaign.
Israel has previously launched naval strikes on Hudaydah, a critical port for humanitarian aid to Yemen. The latest escalation has raised alarm among global observers, who warn of deepening instability in the region and worsening conditions for millions of Yemenis reliant on aid.
Both Israel and the Houthis have signaled readiness for further conflict, with the rebels declaring they are “fully prepared for a sustained and prolonged confrontation,” and Israeli officials pledging intensified military action if attacks continue.
