Sanaa: Tensions in the Red Sea escalated sharply as Israel launched a series of airstrikes early Monday targeting Houthi-held ports and infrastructure in Yemen. In response, Yemen’s Houthi rebels fired missiles at Israel, with sirens reported in the West Bank and along the Dead Sea, reported the Reuters.
The strikes came a day after an attack on the Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned bulk carrier Magic Seas in the Red Sea, which caught fire and was abandoned by its crew. The ship was reportedly struck by small arms, rocket-propelled grenades, and drone boats suspected to have been launched by the Houthis, although the group has not formally claimed responsibility.
According to Israeli military sources, the airstrikes targeted key port cities including Hodeida, Ras Isa, Salif, and the Ras Kanatib power plant. Israel also hit the Galaxy Leader, a vessel seized by Houthis in November 2023, which had reportedly been fitted with a radar system used to track maritime movement.
“These ports are used by the Houthi terrorist regime to transfer weapons from Iran for terrorist operations against Israel and its allies,” said the Israeli military in a statement. It also released video footage showing an F-16 fighter jet launching the strike.
The Houthis confirmed the attacks but did not provide details on casualties or damages. Their spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, claimed their air defense units had engaged Israeli jets, though no evidence was presented.
Following the Israeli strikes, the Houthis launched two missiles towards Israel. The Israeli military confirmed attempted interceptions, though the missiles reportedly landed, causing no injuries. Sirens were activated in the West Bank and Dead Sea regions.
The Magic Seas incident occurred approximately 100 kilometers southwest of Hodeida. The British Maritime Trade Operations center reported the ship was attacked by eight skiffs and later hit by bomb-laden drone boats. Ambrey, a private maritime security firm, said two drones hit the vessel, while two others were neutralized by onboard security. The crew was rescued by a passing ship.
Moammar al-Eryani, information minister for Yemen’s exiled government, blamed the Houthis for the attack, calling them a proxy for Iran’s destabilizing efforts in the region. “Tehran continues to supply them with military technology including drones, missiles, and sea mines,” he stated.
The Houthis’ attacks on maritime traffic have continued since the Israel-Hamas war began in October 2023. Between November 2023 and January 2025, they have targeted over 100 merchant vessels, sunk two ships, and killed four sailors. While attacks paused briefly after U.S. airstrikes in March, missile launches against Israel have continued intermittently.
Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz warned of further action. “Anyone who raises a hand against Israel will have it cut off. The Houthis will continue to pay a heavy price for their actions,” he said.
The escalating conflict in the Red Sea comes amid stalled ceasefire negotiations in Gaza and rising tensions over Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is currently in Washington for talks with U.S. President Donald Trump.
