Israeli Airstrikes in Yemen Kill at Least Six After Houthi Attack on Tel Aviv

Israeli air strikes on Saturday targeted oil storage facilities in the Yemeni port city of Hodeidah, resulting in at least six fatalities and numerous injuries, according to Houthi-run media. This military action follows a Houthi drone attack on Tel Aviv that killed one Israeli citizen, escalating the ongoing conflict between the two parties. Houthi political bureau member Mohammed al-Bukhaiti vowed that such strikes would not deter their military support for the Palestinian cause, warning of increased retaliatory actions until the Gaza conflict concludes. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu characterized the air strikes as a necessary response to the Houthi attack, labeling the group as a "terrorist regime." He asserted that Hodeidah is not merely a civilian port but a military hub used for weapon shipments from Iran and for launching attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea. Netanyahu emphasized that the Israeli response would be significant, indicating a commitment to countering Houthi aggression. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the strikes were a direct retaliation for the Houthi drone assault and noted that the group had launched approximately 200 missiles and drones towards Israel since the onset of the conflict with Hamas in Gaza. An Israeli defense official stated that the decision to act independently, rather than allowing the U.S. and U.K. to lead, was prompted by the recent loss of life in Tel Aviv. In the wake of the Hodeidah strikes, Houthi rebels reiterated their commitment to targeting Israeli, American, and British vessels until Israel ceases its operations in Gaza. The situation remains tense, with both sides poised for further escalation in the ongoing conflict.