Israel Strikes Houthi Ports in Yemen, Rebels Vow Retaliation Amid Red Sea Tensions

Israel and Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen traded missile salvos on Monday, escalating tensions in the Red Sea. The clash began when Israel launched airstrikes on Houthi-controlled ports at Hodeida, Ras Isa, and Salif, targeting what its military called hubs for Iranian-supplied weapons used in terrorist operations against Israel and its allies. The strikes were a response to a Houthi attack on a Liberian-flagged ship, which was hit with explosives and small arms fire, forcing the crew to abandon the vessel as it took on water.

The Houthis, undeterred, fired back with missiles, though Israel reported no casualties. Among the targets was the Galaxy Leader, a ship seized by the Houthis in 2023, which Israel claims was equipped with radar to track international vessels for terror activities. Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a stern warning, stating, "Anyone who raises a hand against Israel will have it cut off." The Houthis, led by Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, vowed a "prolonged confrontation" and promised to maintain their naval blockade in the Red Sea.

This flare-up underscores the broader regional power struggle, with Iran’s support fueling the Houthis’ defiance. As the conflict simmers, President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are set to meet at the White House to discuss Gaza’s future, with Israel pushing for Hamas’s complete removal from the region.