Israel launched strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen Monday night, according to Israeli officials. The action came one day after a ballistic missile struck Tel Aviv's international airport on Sunday.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had pledged a powerful response to the missile strike, vowing to retaliate at a time and place of Israel's choosing.
The Sunday attack marked the first instance of Tel Aviv's international airport being successfully targeted by the Houthi group. Israeli attempts to intercept the missile on Sunday reportedly failed.
Following the strike, the Iran-backed group announced it would target airports to "impose a comprehensive air blockade" on Israel. They specifically mentioned Ben Gurion airport and urged international airlines to adjust schedules.
Initial reports suggested around 30 Israeli aircraft participated in the Monday strikes, hitting approximately 18 locations in Yemen. Areas affected reportedly included Sana'a and Jouf governates, according to the Houthi's Ansar Allah Telegram page.
US sources indicated that the operation was Israeli-led, with US involvement limited to intelligence sharing and coordination rather than direct aerial participation.
These strikes represent the first Israeli military action inside Yemen in months. They follow recent Houthi missile launches towards Israel, culminating in the Sunday airport hit.
The United States military has also conducted numerous strikes in Yemen recently, aiming to weaken the group and disrupt attacks on commercial vessels and US Navy ships in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb waterways. However, these efforts have not stopped Houthi projectiles aimed at Israel or maritime targets.
Speaking Sunday, Prime Minister Netanyahu linked the Houthis to Iran.
"The whole world is being challenged by the Houthis," Netanyahu said. "We will not tolerate it. We will take very strong action against them. And we always remember that they act with their patron Iran’s direction and support."
