Israel has launched a series of airstrikes on Houthi-controlled targets in Yemen in retaliation for the rebel group’s ballistic missile strike on Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said that around 20 fighter jets participated in Monday’s operation, dropping at least 50 munitions on “dozens of targets,” including the Hodeidah port complex and a concrete factory in Bajil.
Fresh footage shows the Israeli strikes on the Houthis cement factory in Bajil.
This is a massive factory and heavy blow. pic.twitter.com/orv0YA1hTy
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) May 5, 2025
The IDF described the targets as critical to the Houthis’ military logistics, alleging that they served as conduits for Iranian arms shipments.
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According to Yemeni sources, the strikes resulted in at least one death and 35 injuries. Rescue operations were still ongoing as of Tuesday morning, with authorities searching for possible victims trapped under the rubble.
The air raid came one day after a Houthi missile struck near Ben Gurion Airport, injuring six people and temporarily disrupting air traffic.
It was the first time a Houthi projectile had reached the vicinity of Israel’s main international airport, prompting strong condemnation and threats of retaliation from officials.
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“Israel will respond to the Houthi attack against our main airport and, at a time and place of our choosing, to their Iranian terror masters,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday, blaming Tehran for orchestrating the assault.
The Houthis, who control much of western Yemen, including the capital Sanaa and the port of Hodeidah, have launched numerous drones and missiles at Israeli territory and commercial vessels in the Red Sea over the past year. The group says its actions are in support of Palestinians and in protest of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
The Houthis have also warned of a “comprehensive aerial blockade” on Israel if it proceeds with a renewed offensive in Gaza. Despite the warning, Israel reportedly approved a plan on Monday for the full military occupation of Gaza and the forced relocation of its Palestinian population to the territory’s southern areas, according to multiple media outlets.
Since returning to office, US President Donald Trump has ordered the Pentagon to escalate strikes against the Houthis, warning that the group would be “completely annihilated” unless it ceases its attacks. Washington and Israel have both accused Iran of arming and directing the Houthis, though Tehran has denied the allegations.
The United States did not directly participate in the latest Israeli airstrikes, but coordinated closely with Israel, a senior US official told Axios journalist Barak Ravid. Another official cited by Al Jazeera did not rule out the possibility that non-lethal support was provided.
Separately, US forces conducted their own airstrikes on Monday, reportedly targeting Houthi positions near Sanaa, an unnamed US official told the Associated Press.