Tel Aviv, Israel – Israeli airstrikes targeted Houthi rebels in Yemen following a deadly attack on Tel Aviv. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the strikes on “military targets of the Houthi terrorist regime” in Yemen’s Hodeidah Port as a direct response to the drone attack that killed an Israeli citizen in Tel Aviv.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that this marks the first time Israel has conducted airstrikes in Yemen. The Houthi-run Al Masirah TV reported that the strikes hit oil facilities in the port, resulting in at least 80 people being injured, most with severe burns. Houthi spokesperson Mohammed Abdulsalam condemned the Israeli aggression, accusing Israel of targeting civilian areas and a power station to increase the suffering of the people of Yemen.

Houthi army spokesperson Yehya Saree vowed to retaliate against Israel, warning that Tel Aviv remains a target for the rebels. The Israeli government defended the airstrikes, citing Hodeidah’s use for military purposes and as a hub for weapons supplied to the Houthis by Iran. The Israeli Defense Minister emphasized the seriousness of the operation, indicating Israel’s preparedness to respond to threats beyond its borders.

In response to ongoing attacks by the Houthi rebels, Israel carried out the airstrikes independently, without coordination with the US or UK. The decision to strike Yemen came after the latest drone attack in Tel Aviv, which resulted in casualties. The White House confirmed that President Joe Biden was briefed on the developments in the Middle East, affirming Israel’s right to defend itself.

Israeli officials praised the operation, with calls for similar actions against Hezbollah in Lebanon amidst escalating tensions on the northern border. Israeli leaders emphasized the need to respond forcefully to attacks on Israeli citizens, regardless of the location. As regional tensions rise, calls for increased sanctions on Iran, the alleged supporter of Houthi terrorism, echo throughout the Israeli government.

As the situation evolves, international responses to the conflict in the Middle East remain fluid, with Israel and its allies taking decisive actions to protect national security. The repercussions of the airstrikes in Yemen reverberate across the region, raising concerns about escalating violence and the involvement of external actors in the ongoing conflict.