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The Israeli military conducted air strikes on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, targeting the Red Sea ports of Hudaydah, Ras Issa, and al-Salif, a nearby power station, and the cargo ship *Galaxy Leader*. The operation, involving approximately 20 fighter jets, was in response to repeated missile and drone attacks by the Iran-backed Houthi group on Israel. The *Galaxy Leader*, hijacked by the Houthis in November 2023, was allegedly used to monitor international shipping, according to the Israeli military.
The strikes hit the Ras Kanatib power station, which supplies electricity to Ibb and Taizz, and was claimed to support Houthi military operations. No casualties were reported. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea stated their air defences "successfully confronted" the attack. In retaliation, the Houthis launched 11 missiles and drones targeting Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion airport, Ashdod and Eilat ports, and an Ashkelon power station. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz warned the Houthis would face severe consequences, stating, "Anyone who tries to harm Israel will be harmed." The Houthis, controlling much of north-western Yemen since 2014, have intensified attacks on Israel and Red Sea shipping since the Israel-Hamas war began in October 2023, claiming solidarity with Palestinians. In a separate incident, the Liberian-flagged *Magic Seas* was attacked by Houthi forces with gunfire, grenades, drones, and missiles, sustaining damage and a fire. The crew was safely evacuated. The Houthis claimed the ship violated their ban on vessels linked to Israeli ports. The group remains prepared for a prolonged confrontation with Israel.
