Today (Saturday), after months of continuous attacks by the Houthis in Yemen, Israel responded with a massive and sophisticated military operation. The Air Force carried out a series of precise and powerful strikes on strategic targets in the Yemeni port city of Hodeidah, 1,700 km from Israel – a greater distance than from Tehran.
The intensity of the attack was evident in the huge fireballs that were seen in the distance, sending a clear and discouraging message to the pro-Iranian forces in the area. The main targets included Iranian weapons depots that the Houthis tried to hide, fuel storage and refining facilities, a power plant for generating electricity (Ras Khatib), and an airport used to transfer munitions from Iran to Yemen. The attack, which included at least ten sorties, severely damaged the terrorist infrastructure of the Houthis. sea.
The importance of the operation was emphasized in the words of Defense Minister Yoav Galant: “The fire that is now burning in Hodeidah is seen all over the Middle East and this matter has clear meanings. The Houthis attacked us over 200 times – the first time they hit an Israeli citizen we prepared them – we will do whatever is required. The blood of Israeli citizens has a price; it is not in vain. They know that today in Lebanon, Gaza, Yemen and also in other places. If they dare to attack us the result will be the same.”
The operation demonstrated Israel’s advanced capabilities, including mid-air refueling with Ram planes for long-range flight, low-altitude flights to evade enemy radars, and the use of F-15s as main bombers and F-35s for stealth. In addition, “stand-off” munitions were used for launching from a range of 100 km from the targets, while activating the air defense and intelligence surveillance with the Nachshon squadron. The navy provided cover with vessels, including a submarine.
The reports from the field indicate an impressive success of the attack, with dozens of dead and wounded on the enemy side and huge fires in the attacked sites. This success marks a significant change in the Israeli approach, moving from a defensive position to a determined offensive action. This is a clear signal to the American-British coalition about Israel’s willingness to act on its own, and a strong deterrent message to Iran and its proxies in the region.
The attack positions Israel as a central and significant player in the regional arena, capable of reaching and hitting any target that threatens it, even at great distances. American officials clarified that “Israel acted alone”, which further emphasizes Israel’s strength and independence in this action.
Before the operation, the cabinet convened for a secret and special discussion, including the religious ministers, and a meeting was held, chaired by the Minister of Defense, with the heads of the security establishment, including Chief of Staff Major General Herzi Halevi. Residents of Eilat reported fighter jets and refueling planes in the city’s skies, which was a precursor to the major operation.
In conclusion, this attack marks a turning point in the Israeli strategy in the fight against regional terrorist threats. It sends a clear message to all of Israel’s enemies: the state will no longer tolerate threats from afar and will respond with great force to any harm to its citizens, regardless of the distance or the required operational complexity.
