IDF Strikes Houthi Targets in Yemen After Ballistic Missile, Red Sea Attacks

Latest Developments

Houthi Targets Struck: The Israeli Air Force launched several strikes against Iran-backed Houthi rebel targets in Yemen overnight on July 7. The airstrikes, involving some 20 Israeli fighter jets that fired over 50 munitions, targeted the Houthi-controlled ports of Hodeidah, Ras Issa, and Al-Salif, as well as the Ras Kanatib power station north of Hodeidah. The IDF stated that the strikes were carried out in response to repeated ballistic missile and drone attacks against Israel launched by the Houthis, who fired two ballistic missiles at Israeli territory hours after the Israeli strikes.
Galaxy Leader Vessel Targeted: As part of the operation, the IDF said that it had targeted the Galaxy Leader, a civilian vessel captured by the Houthis along with its crew in November 2023. Israel said that the Houthis had installed a radar system on the ship that was being used to track vessels in international waters to “facilitate further terrorist activities.” The crewmembers being held hostage by the Houthis were released in January 2025 as part of a temporary ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.
Houthis Break U.S. Ceasefire: The Houthis attacked the Magic Seas, a Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned ship, on July 6, forcing the crew to abandon the vessel after it was struck by small-arms fire and self-propelled grenades near Hodeidah. In a statement claiming the attack, the Houthis said they had targeted the vessel because it belonged to a company that had “violated the entry ban” unilaterally declared by the Houthis against “the ports of occupied Palestine [Israel].” The attack was the first time since a May ceasefire took effect between the United States and the Houthis that a ship had come under fire by the Iran-backed terrorist organization, despite its pledge not to attack international shipping lanes in exchange for the United States halting its air campaign in Yemen.

FDD Expert Response

“When the May 6 ceasefire was announced, President Trump said the United States would be taking the Houthis’ word that they would not attack commercial shipping. Trump should respond to this attack on a commercial vessel as a violation of the ceasefire between the United States and the Houthis.” — Bridget Toomey, Research Analyst

“October 7 was the catalyst that triggered the conflict between Israel and the Houthis, Iran’s proxy in Yemen. Nearly two years later, both parties continue to trade blows, though Israel has inflicted greater damage on the Houthis. Furthermore, the Houthis’ actions compelled the United States to launch a military campaign, a response that the Yemen-based group may not have intended to elicit. Even with the possibility of a permanent end to the war in Gaza, the Houthis will remain a persistent threat that will require a sustained and strategic approach.” — Joe Truzman, Senior Research Analyst and Editor at FDD’s Long War Journal