Israel’s military on Wednesday issued a stark warning to Yemenis to avoid Huthi-controlled ports following the interception of a missile fired by the Iran-backed Huthi rebels. The missile, reportedly aimed at Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv, was successfully shot down, with explosions heard in Jerusalem shortly after air raid sirens were activated.
The Huthis claimed responsibility, describing the weapon as a “hypersonic ballistic missile”, and said it was the third attack on Israel in less than 24 hours. The Huthis have escalated attacks since the October 2023 outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war, claiming solidarity with Palestinians and targeting Israeli interests and shipping in the Red Sea.
In a warning posted on social media, Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee urged civilians to evacuate the Huthi-held Yemeni ports of Hodeida, Ras Issa, and Salif, citing their use for military operations.
At a news conference in Tokyo, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar emphasized the impact of the attacks:
“Millions of Israelis are now running for shelter… This is daily life under these attacks.”
The situation marks a significant escalation. Last month, a Huthi missile breached Israeli defenses, striking near the Ben Gurion terminal and injuring several people. In retaliation, Israel hit targets in Sanaa and surrounding infrastructure.
Though the Huthis paused strikes during a recent Gaza ceasefire, they have resumed hostilities, citing Israel’s continued blockade on humanitarian aid. Earlier warnings to evacuate the ports had not yet led to reported Israeli strikes.
Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump, currently in Saudi Arabia, announced a claimed agreement with the Huthis to halt shipping attacks — though the group’s recent actions cast doubt on its enforcement.
The U.S., under both Biden and Trump, has conducted airstrikes on Huthi positions. The Pentagon revealed that over 1,000 targets in Yemen had been struck since mid-March in Operation Rough Rider, underscoring the ongoing instability and regional risks linked to the conflict.
