Israel launches long-range bombing of Houthi port in retaliation for drone attack in Tel Aviv

Latest developments

Israel carried out its first publicly acknowledged airstrike on Houthis’ terrorist targets in Yemen when it launched a bombing campaign around the port of Hudaydah on July 20, after the Houthis carried out a deadly drone attack on Tel Aviv on July 19. An Israel Defense Forces (IDF) official said the Israeli air force attacked Houthis’ infrastructure used for terrorist activities in the Yemeni port, from which Iran supplies weapons to the Houthis. Arab media showed parts of the Red Sea port in flames.

According to the Israeli military, Houthi rebels have fired more than 200 missiles at Israel in solidarity with Hamas over the past nine months. In the Houthis’ drone attack on Tel Aviv on July 19 – the first fatal attack by the Houthis on Israeli soil since October 7 – an explosion about 100 meters from the U.S. Embassy outpost killed one Israeli and wounded at least 10 others.

The long-range attack was particularly notable because Israeli aircraft attacked targets more than 1,000 miles from Israel and likely had to refuel en route.

Following the Israeli airstrike, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz commented on X: “Israel has dealt a serious blow to the Iranian-backed terrorist organization in Yemen today. We will attack anyone who attacks us. Iran supports, trains and finances the Houthis terrorist organization as part of its regional network of terrorist organizations whose goal is to attack Israel. Now is the time for the international community to maximize sanctions against Iran – under its leadership, the Houthis are massively damaging the freedom of the seas and trade routes. Iran is the head of the snake – it must be stopped now.”

Expert analysis

“After months of using air defenses to fend off Houthis’ missiles and drones, the Israelis have finally gone on the offensive – with impressive results. This long-range attack should also serve as a warning to the regime in Iran, whose nuclear facilities are closer to Israeli air bases.” — Mark DubowitzCEO of FDD

“Nine months of repeated Houthis attacks on Israel have forced the Jewish state to openly confront Iran’s client in Yemen. The attack, which targeted the Houthis’ military infrastructure, was both justified and effective, dealing a blow to the group. However, it is unlikely to deter the Houthis from continuing their aggression against Israel and disrupting commercial shipping routes in the region.” — Joe TruzmanSenior Research Analyst at FDD’s Long War Journal

“Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen claim responsibility for drone attack on Tel Aviv,” FDD Flash Brief

“Leading shipping company warns of global impact of Houthi attacks on ships in Red Sea,” FDD Flash Brief

“Iranian President-elect Pezeshkian praises Hamas and Houthi rebels in Yemen,” FDD Flash Brief