On Friday, Israel reportedly launched airstrikes on Houthi-controlled ports in Yemen, escalating its military operations in the region while President Trump concluded a diplomatic trip to the Middle East.
This attack marks a significant development in the ongoing conflict, coming on the heels of Trump’s announcement regarding the cessation of U.S. bombing campaigns.
The Israeli military confirmed that it targeted the Hodeidah and Salif ports, which it claims are instrumental in the transfer of weapons to militant groups.
Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the strikes inflicted severe damage on the ports and issued a direct threat to Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi.
“If the Houthis continue to fire rockets at the State of Israel, they will be seriously harmed, and we will also target their leaders,” Katz warned.
In response, the Houthis vowed to persist in their attacks on Israel, framing their actions as solidarity with the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
This conflict has intensified following Israel’s military engagements with Hamas since the October 7, 2023, attacks on southern Israel. Houthi spokesman Nasr al-Din Amir condemned the Israeli airstrikes, declaring on Telegram that the “Zionist enemy’s warplanes launched aggressive airstrikes” on their ports.
He emphasized that the Houthis would not “kneel or retreat” and would continue their support for Gaza, regardless of international sentiment.
The strikes came just after Trump’s departure from the region, where he had visited Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, but notably excluded Israel from his itinerary.
In early May, Trump surprised Israeli officials by announcing a truce with the Houthis, following weeks of intense bombing campaigns against them. This truce was contingent upon the Houthis ceasing their attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and surrounding waters.
Despite the truce, the Houthis have continued to launch missiles and drones at Israel, with recent strikes occurring near Ben Gurion Airport, which prompted flight cancellations from numerous international airlines and posed a serious threat to Israel’s economy.
As tensions escalate, the situation remains precarious. The Israeli government has made it clear that it will not tolerate attacks from the Houthis and is prepared to intensify its military actions if necessary.
Meanwhile, the Houthis maintain their commitment to retaliate against Israeli operations, further complicating the already volatile landscape in the Middle East.
This latest round of conflict underscores the fragility of peace in the region and the ongoing struggle for influence among various militant groups and state actors.
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