In a bold military move following the Iran ceasefire 2025, Israel has launched its first direct offensive on Houthi targets in Yemen, escalating what many are calling the next chapter in the Middle East tensions. The Israel Houthi attack unfolded late Sunday night into early Monday, with Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) striking multiple Houthi-controlled locations along Yemen’s Red Sea coast.
Ports and Power Plants Targeted in Israel Yemen Strike
The ports of Hodeidah, Ras Isa, Salif, and the Ras Kanatib power plant were among the vital infrastructures that were the target of precise bombings, according to the IDF. These locations are known to be under the control of the Iran-backed Houthi movement. The military also confirmed an additional strike on the Galaxy Leader, a cargo ship seized by Houthi forces in November 2023.
The Israeli government stated that this operation marks the beginning of “Operation Black Flag”, a strategic campaign aimed at deterring Houthi aggression and neutralizing threats to international maritime security.
Triggering the Response: Houthi Missile Attacks on Israel
The Israel Houthi attack came in response to multiple Houthi missile attacks launched toward Israeli territory over the weekend. One ballistic missile was successfully intercepted by Israeli defense systems, while others fell short of their intended targets.
The IDF accused the Houthis of turning commercial ports into military hubs. “The Houthis had installed radar systems on seized ships to track global maritime traffic for terrorist purposes,” the IDF stated.
In an Arabic-language statement, IDF spokesperson Avichay Adraee warned civilians to evacuate from the targeted areas prior to the airstrikes, signaling a move to avoid civilian harm in line with international law.
Houthi Reaction and Civilian Risk Claims
Houthi military sources confirmed the airstrikes, but claimed their air defense systems had responded “effectively” using surface-to-air missiles developed domestically. Meanwhile, the Houthi political bureau condemned the attacks, arguing that civilian infrastructure such as ports and power plants had no connection to military operations. “Targeting Yemen’s ports and electricity stations is a deliberate act to hurt civilians,” said Houthi official Mohammed Al-Farah on Al-Masirah TV.
No civilian casualties have been confirmed at this time.
Red Sea Conflict News: A Brewing Flashpoint
The Red Sea conflict news is gaining international attention as global shipping lanes become increasingly dangerous. Since the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza erupted in October 2023, tensions across the Middle East have skyrocketed. Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis, and other forces with ties to Iran have pledged to strike Israel in support of the Palestinians.
The Houthi movement, armed and supported by Iran, has repeatedly targeted both military and commercial vessels in the Red Sea—one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes. Their growing naval aggression has drawn widespread concern from the United States and other global powers.
In March, the U.S. military launched multiple strikes on Yemen in an effort to degrade the Houthis’ ability to carry out missile and drone attacks.
Israel’s Warning to the Houthis: Expect More Retaliation
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz made it clear that further action will follow if the Houthi missile attacks continue. “The Houthis will pay a heavy price for their terror,” he warned on social media, referencing Operation Black Flag. “Any threat, anywhere, at any time, will be met with a forceful response from Israel.”
Escalation or Deterrence?
After the Iran ceasefire in 2025, this Israel Houthi attack marks a dramatic uptick in the regional power struggle. While Israel asserts the move was necessary to secure its borders and protect international shipping lanes, the Houthis frame it as aggression against Yemen’s sovereignty.