In Long-Range Strike, Israel Bombs Houthi Port in Retaliation for Tel Aviv Drone Attack

Latest Developments

Israel carried out its first publicly acknowledged air strike on Houthi terrorist targets in Yemen, bombing around Hudaydah Port on July 20 following a deadly July 19 Houthi drone attack on Tel Aviv. An Israel Defense Forces (IDF) official said the Israeli Air Force struck Houthi dual-use infrastructure used for terrorist activities at the Yemeni port where Iran transfers weapons to the Houthis. Arab media showed parts of the Red Sea port aflame.

According to the IDF, the Houthi rebels have fired more than 200 projectiles at Israel in solidarity with Hamas over the last nine months. The July 19 Houthi drone attack on Tel Aviv — the first Houthi attack to cause a fatality on Israeli soil since October 7 — killed an Israeli man and wounded at least ten others in an explosion some 330 feet from the U.S. Embassy Branch Office.

The long-range attack was particularly noteworthy because Israeli aircraft struck targets more than 1,000 miles away from Israel, likely requiring refueling en route.

Following Israel’s airstrike, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz commented on X, “Israel delivered a severe blow to the Iranian-backed terror organization in Yemen today. We will strike anyone who strikes us. Iran supports, trains, and finances the Houthi terror organization as part of its regional network of terror organizations aimed at attacking Israel. This is the time for the international community to maximize sanctions on Iran — under its direction, the Houthis are severely damaging freedom of the seas and trade routes. Iran is the head of the snake — it must be stopped now.”

Expert Analysis

“After months of staving off Houthi missiles and drones with air defenses, the Israelis have finally gone on the offensive — with impressive results. This long-range strike should also serve as a warning to the regime in Iran, whose nuclear facilities are closer to Israel’s air bases.” — Mark Dubowitz, FDD CEO

“Nine months of repeated Houthi attacks on Israel have compelled the Jewish State to act overtly against Iran’s client in Yemen. The strike, which targeted Houthi military infrastructure, was both justified and effective, dealing a blow to the group. However, it is unlikely to dissuade the Houthis from continuing their aggression against Israel and disrupting commercial shipping lanes in the region.” — Joe Truzman, Senior Research Analyst at FDD’s Long War Journal 

Related Analysis

“Iran-Backed Houthi Rebels in Yemen Claim Drone Attack on Tel Aviv,” FDD Flash Brief

“Top Shipping Company Warns of Global Impact of Houthi Attacks on Vessels in Red Sea,” FDD Flash Brief

“Iranian President-Elect Pezeshkian Lauds Hamas, Houthi Rebels in Yemen,” FDD Flash Brief