In a dramatic escalation of hostilities, Israel has launched a series of air strikes targeting Houthi infrastructure in Yemen, marking its first offensive against the Iran-backed rebels in nearly a month. The strikes, which hit three key ports and a power plant, are a direct response to ongoing missile attacks from Yemen aimed at Israeli territory. The Israeli military reports that it is actively intercepting retaliatory missiles fired from Yemen, leading to sirens blaring in cities such as Jerusalem and Hebron.

The targeted sites include the strategically significant ports of Heda, Rasiza, and Salif, along with the Rasat power plant, which supplies electricity to major cities. Israel claims these locations are pivotal for the transfer of Iranian weapons to the Houthis, who, despite suffering recent setbacks, remain capable of launching missiles and drones towards Israel. The Houthi response includes locally made missiles aimed at Israeli aircraft, although no casualties have been reported as of now.

This surge in violence occurs against the backdrop of fragile ceasefire negotiations in Gaza, where the Houthis are leveraging their military capabilities to pressure Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu into concessions. The situation is further complicated by Netanyahu’s scheduled meeting with former President Trump, as both sides engage in a high-stakes game of brinkmanship. With tensions soaring and the potential for further escalation looming, the international community watches closely as the conflict in Yemen intertwines with the broader Middle Eastern crisis.