By Smartencyclopedia & Agencies
July 20, 2024
In a significant escalation of Middle Eastern tensions, Israeli fighter jets launched an air strike on Yemen on Saturday, targeting the Houthi-controlled port of Hodeidah. The strike was in response to a Houthi drone attack on Tel Aviv last Thursday, which resulted in the death of one Israeli and injuries to several others, according to U.S. and Israeli officials.
Why It Matters
This marks the first time Israel has directly attacked Yemen, a country over 1,000 miles away. The Houthis, an Islamist militant group backed by Iran, have been harassing and attacking commercial ships in the Red Sea for months, citing Israel’s ongoing conflict in Gaza as their motive.
Details of the Strike
Houthi officials reported that the Israeli air strike targeted oil facilities in Hodeidah, a key port under their control. According to the Saudi television channel al-Hadath, the strike resulted in three deaths and 15 injuries.
Behind the scenes, Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant communicated with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Friday, indicating that a retaliatory strike was imminent. Israeli and U.S. military officials held several discussions on Saturday before the attack, which was coordinated with the U.S. and an international coalition aimed at countering Houthi aggression.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened an emergency security cabinet meeting on Saturday, an unusual move given the Sabbath observance of many ministers, to approve the strike.
Official Statements
An Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman stated, “IDF warplanes recently attacked military targets of the Houthi terrorist regime in the Hodeida port area in Yemen, in response to the hundreds of attacks against the State of Israel in recent months.”
The Houthis, however, claimed the strike hit civilian facilities, including oil tanks and an electricity station. They asserted that the attack was intended to pressure Yemen to cease its support for Gaza, vowing that such tactics would only strengthen their resolve.
Defense Minister Gallant emphasized the broader regional implications, stating, “The fire that is currently burning in Yemen is seen across the Middle East. The first time that the Houthis harmed an Israeli citizen, we struck them. And we will do this in any place where it may be required.”
A senior Israeli official clarified that the operation was a targeted strike against what they described as “terrorist infrastructure” at the port of Hodeida. The official underscored that despite previous restraint, the attack on Tel Aviv necessitated a decisive response.
International Reactions
The U.S. acknowledged Israel’s right to self-defense while distancing itself from the strike. “The United States was not involved in today’s strikes in Yemen, and we did not coordinate or assist Israel with the strikes,” a National Security Council spokesperson said.
A White House official confirmed that President Biden was briefed on the situation and the ongoing developments in the Middle East. The official reiterated that the international community must increase its efforts to curb Houthi aggression, including economic sanctions and urging Iran to halt its support for the militants.
Looking Ahead
As the conflict escalates, the international community watches closely. The Israeli official stressed that humanitarian concerns at the port of Hodeida must not overshadow the need to address the use of the port for military purposes by the Houthis. The statement also highlighted the importance of continued efforts to protect civilians and prevent a broader regional war.
Israel’s decisive response to the Houthi drone attack signals a potentially new phase in the Middle Eastern conflict, where distant hostilities are met with direct and forceful action. The unfolding situation remains tense, with significant implications for regional stability and international relations.