Israel says it has attacked Houthi targets in Yemen’s Hodeidah port

The Israeli military launched strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen’s Hodeidah port on Monday, in a continued effort to counter attacks from the Iran-backed militant group, which has been targeting vessels bound for Israel and launching missile and drone assaults.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed the operation, stating the Israeli army is "forcefully countering any attempt to restore the terror infrastructure previously attacked."

According to a statement from the Israeli military, the port was being used to transfer weapons from Iran to the Houthis, which were then employed in attacks against Israel and its allies. The military characterized the strikes as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle Houthi capabilities linked to regional terrorism.

The Houthi-run Al Masirah TV acknowledged that a series of strikes on the port were taking place, though it offered no further details.

In response to the Israeli airstrikes, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said the group had launched drone attacks on multiple Israeli targets. He described the action as retaliation for the recent assault on Hodeidah and Israel's continuing military campaign in Gaza.

Since the outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas in October 2023, the Houthis have escalated attacks on Red Sea shipping routes, claiming solidarity with the Palestinian cause.

They have repeatedly targeted commercial vessels they believe are linked to Israel.

Earlier this month, the Houthis claimed responsibility for an attack on the Greek-owned ship Eternity C, which resulted in the deaths of four crew members, according to maritime officials.

In May 2025, the United States announced a temporary agreement with the Houthis to pause its bombing campaign in exchange for a cessation of Red Sea shipping attacks. However, Houthi leaders stated the deal did not apply to Israel, and attacks on Israeli-linked targets have continued.

Katz reiterated Israel’s hardened stance, saying, "Yemen's fate is the same as Tehran’s. The Houthis will pay a heavy price for launching missiles toward the State of Israel."