Israeli bombing of Yemeni port sends message to Middle East, says Israeli defence minister

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, who faces an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court for possible war crimes committed in Gaza, stated that Israel has targeted the Houthis in Yemen to send a message to the Middle East.

“The fire currently burning in Hodeidah is visible across the Middle East, and its significance is clear,” Gallant said in a statement. “The Houthis have attacked us over 200 times. When they first harmed an Israeli citizen, we responded with a strike. We will continue to act wherever necessary.”

On Friday, a long-range drone struck the center of Tel Aviv in an attack claimed by the Houthis. One man was killed, and at least four others were injured. 

Houthi attacks against Israeli are in response to the ongoing Israeli onslaught in Gaza, the group says.