On Monday, six airstrikes were reported to have hit Hodeidah port in Yemen. This military action came just a day after the Iran-aligned Houthi rebels launched a missile that landed alarmingly close to Israel’s primary international airport, Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. Houthi-affiliated media promptly attributed the missile strike to the influence and actions of Israel and the United States, claiming that these nations were responsible for the ongoing hostilities.

As of now, Israel has not publicly commented on the airstrikes in Yemen. However, according to reports from the global news agency Reuters, a senior official from the United States confirmed that Israel indeed conducted these airstrikes with prior coordination and agreement from Washington. Additionally, Israeli media sources echoed this claim, citing a senior Israeli official who stated that the airstrikes were aimed specifically at Houthi targets in Yemen.

The situation escalated significantly on Sunday when a missile, reportedly launched by the Houthi rebels, struck near Ben Gurion Airport. The attack resulted in injuries to several individuals, triggered panic among the passengers within the terminal, and released large plumes of smoke into the air. Witnesses described the chaos that ensued, with flights temporarily grounded as emergency services rushed to the scene.

Historically, most missiles fired by the Houthis, who have been displaying solidarity with Hamas during the ongoing conflict in Gaza, have been successfully intercepted by Israel’s advanced defense systems. However, this particular missile managed to land near a road close to the airport, leaving a substantial crater and highlighting the potential for serious threats to civilian safety.

In a forceful response to the missile launch, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stern warning of retaliation, declaring, “There will be bangs.” He further stated, “We have operated against them in the past and we will continue to do so in the future,” reinforcing his commitment to taking decisive military action in response to threats against Israel.

The Houthi rebels, who have maintained control over significant portions of Yemen, began their campaign targeting Israel and shipping in the Red Sea in late 2023 amid the intensifying conflict between Hamas and Israel in Gaza. As the situation evolved, they escalated their attacks, directly launching missile strikes on Israeli territory, which appeared to be a strategic decision to increase pressure on Israel during a time of regional conflict.

In retaliation for these aggressive actions, the Israeli military has conducted strikes against Houthi positions within Yemen. Furthermore, the United States, a staunch ally of Israel, initiated its own series of operations against the Houthis back in March of this year, emphasizing the growing international stakes in this escalating conflict.

As tensions continue to rise, the international community watches closely, raising concerns about the potential for further military escalation in an already volatile region.