2025-05-16T15:59:00Z

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The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a significant military operation on Friday, targeting the Hodeidah and Al-Salif ports in Yemen, according to official statements made by an Israeli military spokesperson to The Jerusalem Post. This strategic move underscores the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Houthi movement, which has been accused by Israel of utilizing civilian infrastructures for military purposes.

In a detailed explanation of the operation, the IDF reported that the strikes were executed by a fleet of 15 Israeli Air Force fighter jets, which dropped more than 35 munitions on the targeted ports. The military estimates that the damage inflicted will render these ports non-operational for approximately a month. This operation is notable as it appears to target more central facilities for the Houthis than previous US strikes against the group in Yemen, indicating a potentially escalated Israeli military strategy.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) shortly after the strikes, declaring that the military had “severely damaged” the facilities under the control of the Houthi regime. He emphasized the consequences of continued missile attacks by the Houthis towards Israel, issuing a stern warning that their actions would incur “painful blows.” Katz reiterated Israel’s resolve to pursue Houthi leadership and retaliate against threats, drawing parallels to past operations targeting leaders of other militant groups across the region.

“As we said: If the Houthis continue to fire missiles toward the State of Israel, they will suffer painful blows,” Katz stated. “We will also target terror leaders as we have done with Deif and the Sinwars in Gaza, Nasrallah in Beirut, and Haniyeh in Tehran. We will hunt down and eliminate Abd al-Malik al-Houthi in Yemen as well.” This declaration highlights Israel's broader strategy in the region, where high-profile military targets have often been the focus of its operations.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed Katz's sentiments, asserting that the IDF is committed to defending Israel by striking any entity that poses a threat, regardless of distance. “Our pilots have successfully struck two Houthi terrorist ports again, and this is just the beginning,” Netanyahu stated. “There will be more to come. We are not willing to sit idly by and allow the Houthis to harm us.” He further attributed the support for the Houthis to Iran, emphasizing the need for a strong response to ensure Israel’s security.

The strikes come on the heels of multiple missile launches by the Houthis over the past week, during which the IDF successfully intercepted all but one missile that reportedly landed in Saudi Arabia. Israeli sources indicated that the military operation was strategically timed to coincide with the conclusion of a visit by US President Donald Trump to the Middle East, hinting at a coordinated effort to maintain regional security and stability.

In an attempt to curtail Houthi military capabilities, Israel is also allegedly considering the imposition of a naval blockade aimed at restricting the movement of arms and supplies to the group. The escalating tensions have raised concerns over the humanitarian implications, with the ongoing conflict in Yemen already leading to a dire humanitarian crisis affecting millions.

As Israel continues its military operations against the Houthi movement, the international community watches closely, concerned about the potential for further escalation in a region already fraught with conflict.