‘Determined and Forceful Action’: IDF Renews Strikes on Houthi Terrorist Targets in Yemen

Latest Developments

• Fresh Israeli Strikes in Yemen as Houthi Threat Persists: The Israeli Air Force carried out new strikes against Houthi rebel “military targets” in Yemen on January 10 after the Houthis launched three drones at the Tel Aviv area. The IDF said it had struck targets on Yemen’s western coast as well as “deep” inland in response to “repeated attacks by the Houthi terrorist regime against the State of Israel,” including 320 drones and approximately 40 surface-to-surface missiles since Hamas’s October 7, 2023, atrocities.
• Raid Targets Houthi Ports and Power Station: Among the locations struck by the IDF were the ports of Hodeida and Ras Isa, both of which were targeted by Israel during prior waves of strikes in December 2024. Additionally, the IDF attacked the Hezyaz power station on the outskirts of Yemen’s capital Sana’a, a plant it had previously struck on December 26, which serves as a “central source of energy” for the Houthis, according to Israeli statements. The strike in Sana’a occurred as thousands of Houthi supporters gathered for a pro-Hamas protest, prompting Foreign Minister Israel Katz to observe that participants “heard up close the power of the Air Force planes.”
• Israeli Officials Vow Action Against Houthis Will Continue: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement that “the Houthis are paying — and will continue to pay — a heavy price for their aggression,” adding that Israel would continue to “take determined and forceful action against anyone who threatens the State of Israel.” Israeli defense minister Israel Katz said that the IDF delivered a “clear” message: “Anyone who harms Israel will be struck tenfold,” adding that there would be “no immunity” for Houthi leadership going forward.

FDD Expert Response

“Israel is conveying a strong message: if the Houthis persist in their attacks on the Jewish state, the Israeli Air Force will retaliate decisively. Furthermore, future Israeli responses may target the extensive Houthi leadership structure that is active in carrying out attacks against Israel.”  — Joe Truzman, Senior Research Analyst and Editor at FDD’s Long War Journal

“The IDF’s latest strikes are an important illustration that Israel will do everything necessary to deter the Houthis from further attacks on its civilians, after numerous ballistic missile and drone attacks throughout the past year. It is a critical national security priority for the Jewish state that these attacks be stopped, and the IDF’s ongoing air campaign demonstrates to the Houthis that Israel is serious about its demands for a halt in Houthi aggression.” — Seth J. Frantzman, Adjunct Fellow

“The Houthis are not yet deterred and continue to launch indiscriminate attacks on civilians and prevent free trade from flowing through the Red Sea despite multiple waves of airstrikes over the course of six months. The military strategy toward the terrorist group should shift from a response-based defense to a proactive offense, and the degradation of the Houthis shouldn’t wait until the next ballistic missile launch from Yemen.” — Aaron Goren, Research Analyst and Editor  

FDD Background and Analysis

“‘Whatever Distance is Necessary’: IDF Strikes Sana’a International Airport in Retaliation for Houthi Attacks”, FDD Flash Brief

“‘As With Haniyeh, So Too the Houthis’: Israel Vows to Decapitate Iran-Backed Terrorist Group,” FDD Flash Brief

“‘On Behalf of the Entire International Community’: IDF Strikes Sana’a as Houthi Rebels in Yemen Target Tel Aviv”, FDD Flash Brief

“Critical and opportune: Time to take out the Houthis,” by Aaron Goren and Enia Krivine