Israel Targets Houthi Ports, Signals Next Move Against Leadership

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On May 16, Israel executed airstrikes on the Yemeni Red Sea ports of Hodeidah and as-Salif, alleging that these sites were being utilized by the Houthi rebel faction for weapon transfers. This military action followed missile launches from the Houthis aimed at Israel, occurring shortly after a ceasefire agreement with the United States.

The Israeli military took to social media to assert that their strikes targeted “terrorist infrastructure” linked to the Houthis. They claimed these ports were integral to a network facilitating arms movement. Meanwhile, Al Masirah TV, affiliated with the Houthis, confirmed that both ports had been struck. Local residents in Hodeidah reported hearing several explosions and seeing smoke billowing from the area; however, there were no immediate reports of casualties.

Just days earlier on May 6, Israeli airstrikes had already caused significant damage at Yemen’s main airport in Sanaa and resulted in multiple fatalities. The recent port strikes marked a notable escalation as a truce was brokered between the Houthis and Washington earlier this month.

Under this agreement, U.S. military actions in Yemen ceased while the Houthis pledged not to target international shipping routes in the Red Sea—a deal that did not include Israel.

In recent days,Israel has intercepted several missiles launched from Yemen.The Houthis have framed their attacks as acts of solidarity with Palestinians amid ongoing Israeli operations in Gaza since October 2023.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reacted strongly to these missile launches by threatening more intense retaliatory measures if such attacks persist. He characterized the Houthis as mere instruments of Iranian influence and emphasized that Israel would not hesitate to strike against their leadership or operational capabilities.

Netanyahu made it clear they wouldn’t passively allow threats against them; he vowed increased force targeting both Houthi leaders and their supporting infrastructure.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz echoed this sentiment with an explicit warning directed at Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi—suggesting he could meet a fate similar to other high-profile figures eliminated during past operations against Hamas and Hezbollah leaders over recent years.

Katz stated they would actively pursue al-Houthi if missile assaults continued—a commitment underscored by both him and Netanyahu who declared intentions to “hunt down” those responsible for ongoing aggression towards Israel.The Houthis are part of what Iran refers to as its “Axis of Resistance,” which also includes groups like Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah based out of Lebanon.

Reports indicate that approximately 60% of Yemen’s population is under Houthi control. since hostilities reignited between Israel and Hamas last October, numerous drones and missiles have been launched toward Israeli territory by the group—most either intercepted or falling short before reaching their intended targets.

Al Jazeera correspondent Hamdah Salhut reported from Amman stating that since March alone—the period following an end to a temporary ceasefire—at least 34 projectiles have been fired toward Israel amidst escalating violence resulting in significant casualties within gaza according to local health authorities there.