Israel Conducts Airstrikes in Yemen Following Attack in Tel Aviv

Israeli air strikes on Saturday targeted oil storage facilities in the Yemeni port city of Hodeidah, resulting in an unspecified number of fatalities and injuries, according to Houthi-run media. This military action follows a drone attack claimed by the Houthis on Tel Aviv, which killed one person and injured several others near a U.S. Embassy branch. Houthi political bureau member Mohammed al-Bukhaiti asserted that such strikes would not deter their military support for Palestinians, warning of increased retaliation until the conflict in Gaza concludes. Military analyst Elijah Magnier commented that the Israeli strikes would likely not alter the Houthis' course of action, as they are motivated to support Gaza. He suggested that the attacks provide the Houthis with a justification to escalate their military operations. Reports from Hodeidah indicated widespread explosions during the bombardment, with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) intercepting a missile launched from Yemen shortly after the strikes. The Israeli military stated that the air strikes were a response to over 200 attacks by the Houthis against Israel in recent months. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant emphasized the significance of the strikes, asserting that Israel would respond to any threats against its citizens. Concurrently, Houthi attacks on Western shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden have prompted responses from the U.S., UK, and allied nations, further complicating the regional security landscape. In Gaza, Israeli airstrikes overnight resulted in at least 13 fatalities, as cease-fire negotiations in Cairo appeared to be making progress amidst ongoing violence.