Israel’s navy launched its first seaborne assault on the rebel-held port city of Hodeida, Yemen, on Tuesday, targeting docks used by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels. The attack marked a departure from Israel’s previous reliance on airstrikes to target the Houthis.
According to Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, the attack was in response to continued missile fire from the Houthis against Israel. “We warned the Houthi terror organization that if they continue to fire at Israel, they will face a powerful response and enter a naval and air blockade,” Katz said.
The attack on Hodeida is likely to have damaged facilities critical for aid shipments to Yemen, which has been ravaged by war since 2014. However, the port’s role in smuggling weapons has also raised concerns, with vessels reportedly bypassing United Nations inspectors.
Houthis claimed they fired missiles at Israel and warned future attacks would come from “different directions.” Meanwhile, Israel said the attack was aimed at stopping the use of the port for military purposes.
The Israeli navy’s move marks a significant escalation in the conflict, which has seen over 100 merchant vessels targeted by Houthis with missiles and drones since November 2023. The attack also comes as the United States continues to support its allies in the region, with US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth writing that recent naval transits through the Red Sea “occurred without challenge.”
Source: https://apnews.com/article/mideast-wars-yemen-israel-hodeida-attack-7857d9fc0e5293cf6f2573493281bdf7