On Monday, Israel’s military launched new air raids on Yemen’s Hodeidah port, targeting sites allegedly linked to the Houthi movement. Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, stated the military was “forcefully countering any attempt to restore the terror infrastructure previously attacked,” claiming the port facilitates Houthi attacks on Israel and its allies. The Houthis, who control much of northern Yemen, subsequently claimed responsibility for drone and missile attacks on locations in Israel, including Ben Gurion airport, Ashdod, and Jaffa. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree stated these strikes were retaliation for the attacks on Hodeidah and Israel’s ongoing offensive in Gaza. He added that operations would continue until Israel ends its offensive on Gaza and lifts the siege.

Since October 2023, following Israel’s war on Gaza, the Houthis have conducted several attacks on Red Sea shipping lanes, claiming solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Israel has responded with repeated strikes on Houthi targets in Hodeidah, a crucial entry point for goods and aid in Yemen. Minister Katz warned that the Houthis “will pay a heavy price for launching missiles toward the State of Israel.” The Houthis previously claimed responsibility for an attack on the Greek-owned vessel Eternity C earlier this month, resulting in four deaths. While a US-brokered deal in May 2024 halted Houthi attacks on international shipping, the Houthis clarified that this agreement did not apply to operations involving Israel.

Impact Statement: The escalating conflict between Israel and the Houthi movement risks further destabilizing the already fragile situation in Yemen and potentially impacting regional shipping lanes and international relations.