Israel Delivers Economic Blow to Houthis with Precision Strikes on Key Ports

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) revealed details of overnight airstrikes targeting Houthi-controlled ports in Yemen, conducted on Thursday morning. These strikes were part of a larger operation aimed at crippling the Houthi militia's maritime infrastructure and were described by the IDF as an "economic blow" to the group. The operation targeted three key ports—Ras Issa, Hodeidah, and al-Salif—using dozens of fighter jets that flew over 1,700 kilometers to carry out the attack.

The strikes destroyed eight tugboats, which are essential for guiding ships into port, and extended to fuel and oil tankers, as well as a power plant in Sana'a, the Houthi-controlled capital. The operation was planned weeks in advance and was not a direct response to the recent missile launches aimed at Israel, which were intercepted by Israel's Arrow defense system. No casualties were reported from the missile intercepts, although debris from a missile did damage a schoolyard in Ramat Gan.

The IDF emphasized that the attacks were not retaliation for the missile threat, which followed the launch of airstrikes. Since the Hamas-led attack on October 7, the Houthis have been increasingly active, firing over 200 missiles and 170 drones at Israel, most of which were intercepted before reaching Israeli airspace. Israel had previously targeted Houthi-controlled ports in July and September, further complicating the group's ability to operate in the Red Sea.

The IDF's spokesperson, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, stressed that Israel would not hesitate to act against any Houthi threat to its security. Israel's Defence Minister, Israel Katz, issued a warning to Houthi leaders, saying, "Whoever raises a hand against the State of Israel, his hand will be cut off." This...