Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stern warning to Iran after the Israeli Air Force (IAF) targeted the Al Hudaydah Port in Yemen, following a Houthi drone attack that reached Tel Aviv on Friday. The successful IAF operation, dubbed “Operation Long Arm,” involved pilots flying nearly 2,000 kilometers from Israel to Yemen before striking the port, fuel storage facilities, and a power plant nearby.
Addressing the situation, Netanyahu said: “From the beginning of the war, I made it clear that Israel will act against all those who attack us.” Earlier on Saturday, he had asked the Israeli cabinet to support his decision to strike against Houthi targets in Yemen. The targeted port is not considered innocent; it acts as Iran’s entry point for weapons supplied to its Houthi terrorist proxies, which have been used to attack Israel and other Arab states in the region.
This latest strike follows a drone attack on Friday that killed one person and injured several others near the US Consulate in Tel Aviv. The aggression of the Houthis has extended beyond this single attack; for the past eight months, they have launched hundreds of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones against Israel.
The Israeli Prime Minister expressed gratitude towards the United States, Britain, France, and other members of the international maritime coalition formed to repel Houthi attacks. He noted that more than defensive action is needed to curtail the Houthis’ aggression, as evidenced by the drone attack on Israel in the early hours on Saturday.
Over the past half-year, the Houthis have targeted not only Israel but also ships of dozens of countries traversing the Bab-el-Mandeb straits, a vital maritime corridor through which 30% of global maritime commerce flows. Netanyahu called for an increased effort from the international community to protect this waterway and hold both the Houthis and their Iranian sponsors accountable for their aggression.
In defending itself against this Iranian terror axis, Israel stands on the front lines against a regime that threatens the entire Middle East and the rest of the world. Netanyahu urged those who seek a more secure and stable Middle East to fully support Israel’s actions against this terror axis in Yemen, Gaza, Lebanon, and other areas.
The Israeli Prime Minister also sent a clear message to the country’s enemies: “Do not doubt Israel’s determination to defend itself on every front. All those who seek to harm us will pay a very heavy price for their aggression.” Other Israeli officials have echoed Netanyahu’s sentiments, with President Isaac Herzog stating that the IAF’s recent operation showcases its capability and sends a clear message to Israel’s adversaries.
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant emphasized that the fire currently burning in Hodeidah is visible across the Middle East, and the significance of Israel’s actions is apparent. He noted that this is the first time the Houthis have harmed an Israeli citizen, and a swift response will be taken in any place where it may be required to defend Israel against its enemies.