Israel Strikes Yemen’s Al Hudaydah Port After Houthi Attacks

Tel Aviv [Israel], July 21: Israel’s airstrike on Yemen’s Red Sea port of Al Hudaydah marks a significant shift in Jerusalem’s response to the more than 200 missiles and drones launched by the Houthis since October. While Israel had previously ignored these Iran-backed Houthi attacks, the recent casualties demanded a response.

The operation caused widespread panic as the port, a critical lifeline for the Houthis, was set ablaze. Eyewitnesses reported long lines at gas stations as people scrambled to fill their tanks amidst fears of further attacks. The flames and explosions were broadcast across the Arab world.

The strike damaged weapons warehouses and targeted 20 fuel depots, highlighting Israel’s strategic intent to disrupt the Houthis’ support systems and sending a message to Tehran about potential strikes on Iranian oil facilities. The Houthis responded by launching a surface-to-surface missile toward Tel Aviv, which was intercepted near Eilat.

Speculation arose about possible Arab nation involvement, but Saudi Arabia denied any role. Iran condemned the airstrike and warned against Israeli “adventurism.” The strike was in retaliation for a drone attack on Tel Aviv that killed an Israeli man, Yevgeny Ferder, and injured seven others. The Houthi drone took an unusual path over Egyptian airspace before reaching Tel Aviv.

IDF Spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari stated that Israel acted alone and called for international support. “Israel expects the countries of the world to stand on one front, this is a common international interest,” Hagari said.

The Houthis had vowed to target any Israel-bound ship in the Red Sea and have attacked or harassed numerous ships, including hijacking the MV Galaxy Leader in November and holding its crew of 25 hostage. The Bab el-Mandeb Straits, a narrow maritime choke point, is a critical passage for the majority of the world’s oil.