Israel retaliates after Houthi missile hits Tel Aviv

[MIDDLE EAST] Israel launched airstrikes on Yemen's Hodeidah port and a cement factory in Bajil on May 5, 2025, in retaliation for a Houthi missile attack that struck near Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv.

The Houthi movement, an Iran-aligned rebel group controlling much of northern Yemen, has been involved in a prolonged conflict with the internationally recognized Yemeni government since 2014. In recent months, the Houthis have extended their operations beyond Yemen's borders, targeting Israeli and Red Sea shipping lanes, citing solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza amid their ongoing conflict with Israel.

The Houthis have stepped up their missile and drone capabilities over the past year, reportedly acquiring more advanced weapons systems with Iranian support. Analysts suggest that the use of a hypersonic ballistic missile—believed to be the first of its kind deployed by the Houthis—marks a significant evolution in their strike capacity. Satellite imagery and defense assessments indicate that the missile may have originated from the Sa’dah region in northern Yemen, a known Houthi stronghold where previous Iranian shipments have been traced.

Israeli intelligence officials have raised concerns that the Houthi attack signals a coordinated effort among Iran's regional proxies to stretch Israel's defensive resources. Hezbollah in Lebanon and militias in Syria have also escalated activity in recent weeks, leading to fears of a broader multi-front conflict. “This is not an isolated incident—it fits a larger pattern of Iranian-backed aggression,” an Israeli defense analyst told national media following the strikes.

The May 4 Missile Attack

On May 4, 2025, the Houthis launched a hypersonic ballistic missile at Tel Aviv, which, despite attempts by Israel's advanced air defense systems, including the U.S.-made THAAD and Israel's Arrow systems, successfully struck near Ben Gurion Airport. The attack resulted in a large crater, damaged infrastructure, and injured four individuals. The missile's success was attributed to a technical issue with the interceptor systems, as no malfunction was found in the detection procedures.

Israel's Retaliatory Airstrikes

In response, Israel conducted a series of airstrikes on May 5, targeting Hodeidah port and a cement factory in Bajil, both of which are believed to be integral to the Houthis' military infrastructure, including facilitating Iranian arms transfers and tunnel construction. The operation involved approximately 20 Israeli fighter jets deploying over 50 munitions. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) coordinated the strikes with the United States, although U.S. forces did not participate directly.

Local Yemeni sources described widespread panic among civilians in Hodeidah, a city that has already suffered years of war-induced hardship. Humanitarian organizations have raised alarms about the potential disruption of aid shipments through the port, which serves as a critical entry point for food and medical supplies to millions of Yemenis. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has urged all parties to preserve access to vital infrastructure.

Casualties and Damage

Houthi sources reported that the Israeli airstrikes resulted in one death and 35 injuries, with ongoing search efforts for missing persons. The Houthis claimed that operations at Sanaa International Airport and Hodeidah Port resumed normal activities following the strikes.

Independent verification of damage on the ground has been limited due to restricted access to the targeted areas. However, satellite imagery analyzed by military experts confirms substantial structural damage at the Bajil facility, with visible blast marks and collapsed storage units. The full extent of the operational disruption to Houthi logistics is still being assessed.

International Reactions

The United States expressed support for Israel's right to defend itself, with President Donald Trump reaffirming the commitment to holding Iran accountable for its alleged support of the Houthis. Iran condemned the Israeli strikes as a violation of international peace and security, while the United Nations called for a halt to all military actions and urged for utmost restraint.

Ongoing Tensions

Despite the Israeli airstrikes, Houthi leaders have vowed to continue their attacks on Israel until the Gaza conflict ends. The situation remains volatile, with the potential for further escalation in the region. Yemeni officials are reportedly considering a ground operation against the Houthis, potentially involving U.S. and Saudi support.