Netanyahu: “A Message to Those Who Threaten Israel’s Security” and Especially Iranian Terror Sponsors who are Well Within Range

In a decisive military maneuver on July 20, 2024, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) conducted precision strikes on key Houthi-controlled port and gas storage facilities in Yemen. The first are still burning 24 hours later and are expected to continue for more days. The attack, which targeted strategic infrastructure in the city of Hodeidah, marks a significant escalation in Israel’s efforts to counter Iranian influence in the region.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized the rationale behind the operation. “This strike is a clear message to those who threaten Israel’s security,” he declared. “We will take whatever actions necessary to defend our nation from any aggressor.” The retaliatory strike followed the strike of a Houthi-launch drone on central Tel Aviv, which killed one and injured 10.

The Houthi port in Hodeidah is a critical hub for the Iran-backed militia, facilitating the supply of weapons and military equipment from Tehran. The gas storage facilities, similarly, are vital for the Houthis’ operational logistics, providing fuel for military vehicles and power generators. Yeminites were lining up for gas, fearing shortages. There were reportedly power blackouts.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant underscored the strategic importance of the operation. “The Houthi port and gas facilities were critical nodes in the supply chain of weapons and military hardware from Iran,” Gallant stated. “By neutralizing these targets, we have significantly impaired the Houthis’ capability to sustain their military operations.”

The IAF strikes involved a combination of fighter jets and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), delivering precise ordinance to minimize collateral damage. Initial reports indicate significant destruction of the targeted facilities, though the extent of the impact on civilian areas remains under assessment.

Houthi spokesperson Mohammed Abdul-Salam condemned the attack, claiming it was an act of aggression against Yemen’s sovereignty. “This unprovoked attack by Israel is a blatant violation of international law and Yemen’s territorial integrity,” Abdul-Salam said. “We will respond appropriately to defend our people.”

In contrast, Netanyahu defended the operation as a necessary measure in the broader context of regional security. “The Houthis have been a conduit for Iran’s malign activities in the Middle East,” Netanyahu asserted. “Our actions today are part of a wider strategy to curb Iranian influence and protect our allies.”

International reactions have been mixed. The United States, a close ally of Israel, expressed support for the operation. “Israel has the right to defend itself against threats from Iranian proxies,” a State Department spokesperson said. “We stand with our Israeli partners in their efforts to maintain regional stability.”

The European Union, however, called for restraint and urged all parties to avoid further escalation. “We are deeply concerned about the potential for increased violence in an already volatile region,” an EU representative stated. “We urge Israel and the Houthis to seek a peaceful resolution through diplomatic channels.”

Analysts suggest that the timing of the strike is significant, coming amidst ongoing negotiations in Vienna regarding Iran’s nuclear program. “This operation sends a clear signal to Tehran that Israel is prepared to act unilaterally if necessary,” said Michael Herzog, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. “It also serves as a reminder to the international community of the broader security implications of Iran’s regional ambitions.”

As the situation develops, the focus will remain on how the Houthis and their Iranian backers respond to the IAF’s assertive stance, and whether this marks the beginning of a broader campaign by Israel to counter Iranian influence in Yemen and beyond.