Israel delivers devastating airstrikes on Yemen’s Sanaa airport, retaliating against Houthi missile attacks while warning civilians to evacuate three key Yemeni ports ahead of more potential military action.
Key Takeaways
- Israel bombed Yemen’s Sanaa airport, disabling the airfield and destroying commercial aircraft after a Houthi missile strike near Tel Aviv’s Ben-Gurion Airport.
- Israel issued evacuation warnings for three Yemeni ports—Ras Isa, Hodeidah, and Salif—suggesting imminent military action despite a U.S.-Houthi ceasefire deal that excludes Israel.
- President Trump announced America would stop striking the Houthis, claiming they had “capitulated” on shipping attacks, but the rebels vowed to continue targeting Israel.
- At least seven people were killed and 74 wounded over two days of Israeli attacks in Yemen, according to Houthi reports.
- Defense Minister Israel Katz emphasized Israel would “defend itself by itself” after being excluded from the U.S.-Houthi ceasefire agreement.
Israel Escalates Conflict with Devastating Strikes on Yemen
Israel’s military has intensified its engagement with Yemen’s Houthi rebels through a series of devastating airstrikes targeting Sanaa’s international airport. The precision bombing disabled the airfield and set commercial aircraft ablaze on the tarmac. According to Houthi sources, these attacks resulted in at least seven fatalities and 74 injuries across two days of Israeli strikes. The bombing campaign represents a significant escalation in Israel’s response to Houthi aggression, particularly following a ballistic missile strike that targeted the vicinity of Tel Aviv’s Ben-Gurion International Airport.
The military operation was extensive and calculated, reportedly involving 50 bombs and requiring mid-air refueling—a clear demonstration of Israel’s extended operational capabilities that could potentially reach Iran. Since the Gaza conflict began, the Houthis have expressed solidarity with Palestinians by targeting Israeli interests and disrupting commercial shipping through the strategically vital Red Sea corridor. The United Nations Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, characterized the Israeli strikes as a “grave escalation” and called for restraint from all parties involved.
New Evacuation Warnings Signal Continuing Military Action
Following the airport strikes, Israel issued urgent evacuation warnings for areas surrounding three critical Yemeni ports: Ras Isa, Hodeidah, and Salif. IDF Arabic media spokesperson Avichay Adraee posted the warnings on social media, marking the second such advisory within a week. The evacuation orders strongly suggest Israel’s intention to conduct additional military operations against Houthi targets, particularly after successfully intercepting another missile launched from Yemen. These developments occur against the backdrop of a ceasefire agreement between the United States and the Houthis that notably excludes Israel.
“Israel must be able to defend itself by itself against any threat and any enemy. This has been true in the face of many past challenges, and it will remain true in the future,” stated Defense Minister Israel Katz.
The growing tensions between Israel and the Houthis emerge as President Trump announced America would cease military actions against the Yemeni rebel group. Trump claimed the Houthis had “capitulated” and agreed to end their attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea. However, this arrangement excludes Israel, leaving the Jewish state to address Houthi threats independently. The rebels have explicitly stated their intention to continue targeting Israel regardless of any agreement with the United States, effectively forcing Israel to pursue its security interests without American military support.
Diplomatic Tensions Rise Amid Regional Power Plays
The escalation has sparked complex diplomatic maneuvering across the region. Oman has emerged as a key mediator, with Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi facilitating communications between the United States and the Houthis. “Today’s news about the situation in the Red Sea means that diplomatic efforts have led to the end of the conflict between the US and Ansar Allah in Yemen. They will no longer target each other, ensuring freedom of navigation for international commercial shipping in the Red Sea,” stated Badr al-Busaidi.
The Houthis have not hesitated to issue threats that could affect regional stability. Mahdi al-Mashat, head of the Houthi’s supreme political council, warned, “We indirectly informed the Americans that the continued escalation will affect the criminal Trump’s visit to the region, and we have not informed them of anything else.” This statement represents a bold challenge to American interests despite Trump’s previous vow to use “overwhelming lethal force” should the Houthis resume their attacks on shipping. The strategic Red Sea corridor remains vulnerable, though data suggests larger shipping companies are gradually returning to these waters despite the ongoing tensions.
Gaza Conflict Continues as Regional War Expands
As Israel strikes Yemen, military operations in Gaza continue unabated. On the same day as the Sanaa airport attack, Israeli forces conducted strikes in Gaza that reportedly killed at least 18 people, including children, at a school sheltering displaced Palestinians. This dual-front approach demonstrates Israel’s determination to address security threats across multiple theaters simultaneously, despite international concerns about civilian casualties. The expanding regional conflict threatens to draw in additional actors and further complicate peace efforts throughout the Middle East.
President Trump’s ceasefire deal with the Houthis represents a significant shift in American policy, focused on securing Red Sea shipping lanes without addressing Israel’s ongoing security concerns. This approach has effectively forced Israel to pursue an independent military strategy against the Houthis, who maintain Iranian support and continue to pose a credible threat to Israeli security. As the situation evolves, the strategic implications extend beyond Yemen to impact the broader power balance across the Middle East and potentially affect international shipping through one of the world’s most critical maritime corridors.
