Hodeidah, Yemen - Over the weekend, the Israeli military conducted a series of airstrikes targeting Houthi-controlled areas near the strategic port of Hodeidah in Yemen. This military action was a response to recent Houthi attacks aimed at Israeli interests, including a drone strike in Tel Aviv on Friday that resulted in the death of an Israeli citizen and injuries to ten others.
In an operational update shared via social media, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that their fighter jets targeted military installations in Yemen. The strikes were portrayed as a defensive measure following the Houthi aggression.
However, a Houthi representative, using the online alias @abdulsalamsalah, claimed that the Israeli airstrikes had hit civilian infrastructure, including oil tanks and a power station in Hodeidah. The spokesperson accused Israel of trying to pressure the Houthis into ceasing their support for Gaza, labeling this effort as futile.
"The Israeli retaliation will only strengthen the resolve of the Yemeni people who are committed to supporting the Palestinian cause," the spokesperson stated, describing the cause as "the most righteous one in the world."
Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, a spokesperson for the Israeli military, emphasized Israel's current multi-front battle. He pointed out that Israel is simultaneously contending with threats from the Houthis, Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and various Iran-backed groups in Iraq and Syria.
BREAKING: YEMENI HOUTHI OFFICIAL STATEMENT
— Sulaiman Ahmed (@ShaykhSulaiman) July 20, 2024
ON ISRAEL BOMBING YEMEN
Nasr El-Din Amer:
“Israeli aggression on Hodeidah Governorate and a fire in Yemen's main port.
Yemen's stance with Gaza is firm and will not change, and Yemeni operations supporting Gaza will not stop. The… pic.twitter.com/3ag6XUFiLn
Hagari also disclosed that the drone used in Friday's attack near Tel Aviv's coastline was believed to have been supplied by Iran to the Houthis. Investigations are ongoing to determine the precise origins and circumstances of the drone strike.
The recent escalation highlights the complex and multifaceted nature of the conflicts involving Israel, underscoring the volatile situation in the region. As tensions continue to rise, the international community watches closely, concerned about the broader implications for Middle Eastern stability.
