Israel Strikes Yemen in Response to Drone Attack

Israeli air strikes on Saturday reportedly targeted oil storage facilities in Hodeidah, Yemen, according to Houthi-run media. The strikes resulted in an unspecified number of fatalities and injuries, occurring just a day after the Houthis claimed responsibility for a drone attack on Tel Aviv that killed one person near a U.S. Embassy branch. Houthi political bureau member Mohammed al-Bukhaiti asserted that such Israeli actions would not deter their military support for the Palestinian cause, warning of increased retaliation until the Gaza conflict concludes. Military analyst Elijah Magnier emphasized that the Israeli strikes would not alter the Houthis' commitment to supporting Gaza, suggesting that the attacks would likely escalate further. This incident marks a significant development, as it is the first time Israel has conducted strikes within Yemen, following the Houthis' drone assault on Tel Aviv. The ongoing conflict risks opening a new front, with Houthi spokesperson Mohammed Abdulsalam declaring the situation an "open war." The Houthis, believed to be armed and trained by Iran, have been targeting shipping in the Red Sea in solidarity with Gaza since the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel. In response to the escalating tensions, the U.S. and U.K. have conducted strikes on Houthi positions. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that the targeted port was not innocent, asserting that Israel's military reach extends far and wide, while Houthi leaders vowed to continue their military operations against Israel.