In a significant escalation of hostilities, Israel struck Houthi targets in Yemen on Monday night, according to an Israeli security source. This military action comes just a day after a ballistic missile successfully struck Tel Aviv’s international airport, marking a concerning new chapter in the ongoing conflict. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously vowed to retaliate decisively, promising a potent response that would occur at a time and place of Israel’s choosing.
The recent missile strike represents a critical incident, as it is the first successful attack on Israel’s international airport by the Iran-backed Houthi group. On Sunday, the Israeli military attempted to intercept the ballistic missile but was unsuccessful, allowing it to hit the heavily defended facility. In response, the Houthis announced their intention to “impose a comprehensive air blockade” on Israel by repeatedly targeting airports, particularly Ben Gurion Airport. They urged international airlines to cancel all scheduled flights to Israeli airports in light of the escalating situation.
Following the missile attack, Netanyahu convened Israel’s security cabinet to discuss the escalating threat. “We acted before, and we will act in the future too,” Netanyahu stated in a video posted on social media. He emphasized that the United States, in coordination with Israel, is also taking action against the Houthis, asserting that the situation is not a one-time event. Historically, Israel has conducted multiple rounds of strikes against Houthi positions in Yemen, including key infrastructure such as power plants and maritime ports as recently as January.
While Israel has focused on specific targets, the US military has conducted more extensive operations against Houthi targets in Yemen in recent months. These initiatives aim to weaken the Houthi group and disrupt their attacks on US Navy ships and commercial vessels operating in the crucial waterways of the Middle East. Despite these efforts, the Houthis have continued to launch missiles at both Israel and US naval forces in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, which are considered two of the most strategically important maritime routes globally.
The Houthis have demonstrated their capability to launch ballistic missiles over three consecutive days, culminating in the recent strike on the airport. This sustained assault raises serious concerns about regional security. Notably, a recent incident involving a US F/A-18 fighter jet, which fell off an aircraft carrier in the Red Sea while evading a Houthi attack, underscores the dangers posed by the group. Netanyahu remarked on the broader implications, stating, “The whole world is being challenged by the Houthis,” reaffirming Israel's commitment to taking strong action against them, especially given their support from Iran.
As tensions continue to rise, the Houthis issued a warning on Sunday night about the potential for further strikes, reiterating their plan to enforce an air blockade on Israel. This evolving situation necessitates close monitoring, as international airlines and travelers must prepare for possible disruptions to flight operations to Israeli airports.
