‘Israel’s Long Arm’: Israel Conducts First Naval Strike Against Houthis in Yemen

Latest Developments

Hodeidah Port Struck: Israel responded to repeated missile and drone attacks launched by Houthi rebels in Yemen by conducting its first naval strike on Hodeidah port. Two missiles were launched from hundreds of kilometers away by Israeli Navy Sa’ar 6-class corvettes. “The strikes were carried out to stop the use of the port for military purposes,” the IDF said, noting that Hodeidah is used “to transfer weapons and is a further example of the Houthi terrorist regime’s cynical exploitation of civilian infrastructure in order to advance terrorist activities.”
Katz Warns of ‘Naval and Aerial Blockade’: “Israel’s long arm, both in the air and at sea, will reach everywhere,” Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said, adding that the Houthis “will face a powerful response and will be subjected to a naval and aerial blockade” if they continue firing toward Israel. Prior to the strikes, IDF Arabic spokesman Col. Avichay Adraee issued a warning to anyone present at the Yemeni ports of Hodeidah, Ras Isa, and Al-Salif to evacuate and “stay away from them for your own safety until further notice.” No casualties have been reported as a result of the strike.
Houthis Claim Israel Scared of Their Air Defenses: Nasruddin Amer, vice chairman of the Houthi Media Authority, stated on X that Israel’s use of its navy followed Houthi President Mahdi al-Mashat’s threat that if the Israeli Air Force targeted Yemen again, “it would become a laughingstock,” and “the Yemeni air defense would confront it with full force.” Amer added that Israel’s strike on the port’s dock “had no effect even on the morale of our people, who continue to take to the streets weekly in the millions in support of Gaza.” On June 9, Israeli media reported that a missile launched by the Houthis toward Israel had failed and landed in Saudi Arabia. The next day, in response to the Israeli strike, the Houthis launched another ballistic missile toward Israel, which the IDF intercepted.

FDD Expert Response

“Israel continues to hold Houthi strongholds accountable for their attacks on Israel and on international shipping. This is an absolutely appropriate and necessary action. The Trump administration’s decision to back out of this fight — and leave Israel fighting this Iranian proxy alone — was a mistake and put Israeli and American interests at risk.” — RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery, Senior Fellow and Senior Director of FDD’s Center on Cyber and Technology

“The Houthis must incur a cost for attempting to harm Israel. By targeting Hodeidah, a crucial Houthi port, Israel not only interrupts an entry point for weapons and illicit support to the group but also inflicts economic damage upon them.” — Bridget Toomey, Research Analyst