Israel Launches Strikes on Houthi Targets in Yemen After Missile Threats
Tel Aviv / Sanaa – July 7, 2025 — Israel has conducted airstrikes on Houthi positions across Yemen in a major military response to ongoing missile threats, marking its first attack on the region in nearly a month, according to the Israeli military.
Targets included three key ports—Hodeidah, Ras Isa, and Salif—as well as the Ras Qantib coastal power plant. The strikes came after repeated drone and missile attacks launched by the Iran-aligned Houthi movement, who claim to act in solidarity with Palestinians amid the Gaza conflict.
🚨 Missiles Launched from Yemen in Retaliation
Shortly after the Israeli strikes, two missiles were launched from Yemen toward Israel, prompting defensive measures. The Israeli military said interception attempts were made, and a review is underway to assess their effectiveness.
The Houthi military spokesperson confirmed that missiles and drones targeted multiple Israeli sites in retaliation for the strikes. However, no casualties or damage have been reported so far, according to Israel’s emergency services.
🔁 Escalating Tensions in the Red Sea
The Houthis have disrupted global shipping lanes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since the start of the Gaza war in October 2023, launching dozens of attacks on vessels and firing projectiles toward Israel. Most of these were intercepted or failed to reach their targets.
Monday’s strikes were Israel’s response to increasing Houthi activity, including the use of the seized vessel Galaxy Leader, docked at Ras Isa port. Israel’s military claims the Houthis installed a radar system on the ship to track maritime traffic, escalating regional threats.
“The Houthi terrorist regime is using the Galaxy Leader as a surveillance base to monitor international shipping lanes,” said an IDF spokesperson.
💥 Power Outage and Civilian Impact
Residents in Hodeidah reported a city-wide blackout after the Israeli airstrike hit the Ras Qantib power station. There are no confirmed reports of casualties at this time. The Israeli military claimed it had issued evacuation warnings ahead of the operation to minimize civilian harm.
Meanwhile, earlier in the day, a commercial vessel was attacked off the coast of Hodeidah, prompting the crew to abandon ship due to severe flooding. While no group has claimed responsibility, maritime security firm Ambrey noted that the ship matched the profile of a typical Houthi target.
⚔️ Houthi Military Capabilities and Iran Ties
The Houthis, who control northern Yemen including the capital Sanaa, have evolved into a formidable fighting force under the leadership of Abdul Malik al-Houthi. With tens of thousands of fighters and an arsenal of drones and ballistic missiles, the group remains one of Iran’s most active regional allies.
While Saudi Arabia and Western nations allege that Iran supplies the Houthis with weapons, Tehran has consistently denied direct involvement.
The Houthi spokesperson said the group’s air defenses responded to Israel’s strike using domestically produced surface-to-air missiles, reflecting their growing military capacity.
🌍 Regional Implications
The renewed conflict between Israel and the Houthis comes at a time when Iran’s influence across the region faces pressure, particularly following Israel’s recent operations against Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and strategic targets in Iran during a 12-day air campaign.
As tensions in the Red Sea and Gulf escalate, the international community continues to monitor the situation closely, especially as it affects global shipping routes and regional stability.
