Israel has struck Houthi targets at the Red Sea port of Hodeidah in Yemen and threatened to impose a naval and air blockade if attacks on Israel persist. The strikes, confirmed by both Israeli and Houthi sources, mark a new escalation in the regional fallout from the Gaza war.
The Israeli navy launched the attack on Tuesday, targeting areas in the Hodeidah docks. Defence Minister Israel Katz issued a direct warning to the Houthis, stating that continued aggression would trigger severe consequences.
Houthis Targeted at Key Port
The Houthi-run Al Masirah TV reported two Israeli strikes on the docks of Hodeidah. Israel confirmed the action, saying the port facilitates the transfer of weapons by the Houthis. There were no immediate reports of casualties.
The Israeli military had already urged evacuation of the Houthi-controlled ports of Ras Isa, Hodeidah, and Salif a day earlier. These warnings appear to have paved the way for Tuesday’s strikes.
Threat of Total Blockade
Israel’s reaction went beyond airstrikes. Defence Minister Israel Katz made an explicit threat of total naval and aerial blockade. He tweeted on X, previously Twitter, that if the Houthi attacks continue, Israel will respond forcefully. He stated that the Houthis would be under a total blockade, drastically restricting their operational capability.
Houthis’ Support for Gaza
Since the war in Gaza began in October 2023, the Iran-backed Houthis have launched missiles and drones at Israel and Red Sea shipping routes. They claim their actions are in solidarity with Palestinians. These attacks have disrupted global trade and drawn regional focus to the Red Sea.
Retaliatory Strikes and Regional Pressure
Most Houthi attacks have either been intercepted by Israeli defence systems or failed to reach their targets. Israel has responded with several strikes on Houthi infrastructure. Meanwhile, it has already weakened other Iranian allies like Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza. Yet, the Houthis and pro-Iranian armed groups in Iraq remain active.
While tensions increase, the crisis in the Red Sea remains a key powder keg. Israel now indicates that it is prepared to move more forcefully if the threat continues to be present.
