Tensions escalate as Israeli forces retaliate against Houthi militants in response to missile landings near key international airport.
Israel Launches Airstrikes in Yemen Following Houthi Missile Attack Near Tel Aviv Airport
Israel Launches Airstrikes in Yemen Following Houthi Missile Attack Near Tel Aviv Airport
Israel responds to Houthi missile threat with significant military action targeting Yemen port city of Hudaydah.
On Sunday, tensions between Israel and Houthi militants escalated dramatically after a ballistic missile launched from Yemen completed a surprise strike near Ben-Gurion International Airport, prompting a swift Israeli military response. Israeli fighter jets reportedly flew over 1,000 miles to target the port city of Hudaydah in western Yemen, aiming at key assets used by the Iranian-backed Houthis.
The missile incident occurred over the weekend, evading Israel’s extensive aerial defense systems, which triggered immediate responses from Israeli officials vowing to counteract the attack with force.
In a continued cycle of hostilities, the Israeli military executed airstrikes on Monday, targeting both the port, identified as a vital income source for the Houthi regime, and a concrete manufacturing facility near the city. The port serves as a lifeline, facilitating essential food, fuel, and humanitarian aid for impoverished northern Yemen, where over 20 million residents are struggling.
Despite the ongoing bombardments from Israel, the conflict has drawn in broader international involvement, with the U.S. and Britain also participating in strikes against Houthi forces, reinforcing a campaign to halt missile launches aimed at Israel. Houthi leaders, for their part, have committed to continue their attacks until Israel ceases its military operations in Gaza against Hamas.
The situation remains dire, with both sides unable to achieve their objectives despite the extensive military engagements. Recent pledges from U.S. officials, particularly in support of Israel's military efforts, have included designating the Houthis as a “foreign terrorist organization”, amidst calls for a more aggressive approach against the group.
Challenges abound, however; local reports from Houthi sources suggest that U.S. military operations have resulted in significant civilian casualties, reigniting debates over military strategy in the region.
As the conflict persists, the interaction between Israeli military strength and Houthi missile capabilities poses continued risks to both countries and heightens the ongoing unrest in the region, drawing global attention.
Aaron Boxerman is a Times reporter covering Israel and Gaza and is currently based in Jerusalem.
The missile incident occurred over the weekend, evading Israel’s extensive aerial defense systems, which triggered immediate responses from Israeli officials vowing to counteract the attack with force.
In a continued cycle of hostilities, the Israeli military executed airstrikes on Monday, targeting both the port, identified as a vital income source for the Houthi regime, and a concrete manufacturing facility near the city. The port serves as a lifeline, facilitating essential food, fuel, and humanitarian aid for impoverished northern Yemen, where over 20 million residents are struggling.
Despite the ongoing bombardments from Israel, the conflict has drawn in broader international involvement, with the U.S. and Britain also participating in strikes against Houthi forces, reinforcing a campaign to halt missile launches aimed at Israel. Houthi leaders, for their part, have committed to continue their attacks until Israel ceases its military operations in Gaza against Hamas.
The situation remains dire, with both sides unable to achieve their objectives despite the extensive military engagements. Recent pledges from U.S. officials, particularly in support of Israel's military efforts, have included designating the Houthis as a “foreign terrorist organization”, amidst calls for a more aggressive approach against the group.
Challenges abound, however; local reports from Houthi sources suggest that U.S. military operations have resulted in significant civilian casualties, reigniting debates over military strategy in the region.
As the conflict persists, the interaction between Israeli military strength and Houthi missile capabilities poses continued risks to both countries and heightens the ongoing unrest in the region, drawing global attention.
Aaron Boxerman is a Times reporter covering Israel and Gaza and is currently based in Jerusalem.
