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2024 Israeli strikes on Yemen

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Operation Long Arm
Part of the Red Sea crisis and spillover of the Israel–Hamas war
Al Hudaydah is located in Yemen
Al Hudaydah
Al Hudaydah
2024 Israeli airstrikes on Yemen
TypeAirstrike
Location
Al Hudaydah, Yemen
TargetDamaging or destroying Houthi arms storage facilities, oil depots and an airport, in reprisal for Houthi attacks on Israel
Date20 July 2024
Executed by Israel Defense Forces
Casualties3+ killed
15+ injured

On 20 July 2024, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched airstrikes targeting military sites of the Iranian-backed Houthi movement near the Hudaydah Port in Al Hudaydah, Yemen. The airstrikes hit weapons storage facilities, oil depots, and an airport used for arms transfers from Iran to Yemen.[1] The attack was codenamed by the IDF as Operation Long Arm (Hebrew: מבצע יד ארוכה).[2]

This operation followed a Houthi UAV attack the previous day, which crashed into an apartment building in Tel Aviv, Israel, killing one civilian. The IDF stated that the operation was carried out in response to Houthi attacks on Israel since the Houthi movement aligned with Hamas after the October 7 attacks.[3][4]

The operation marks the first time Israel directly attacked Yemen.[5] It utilized F-15 and F-35I jet fighters, along with Boeing 707 jets for aerial refueling.[6] Commentators have noted the significance of the operation, emphasizing that it involved targets 1,700 kilometers from Israel, approximately 200 kilometers farther than Tehran, showcasing the extended reach of Israeli military operations.[4]

Background

Further information: Red Sea crisis and 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel

The Houthi movement, officially "Ansar Allah", is an Iranian-backed Islamist militant group in Yemen.[7] The group is designated a terrorist organization by the United States,[8][9] Saudi Arabia,[10] United Arab Emirates,[11] Malaysia,[12] and Australia.[13][14] The group has called for the destruction of Israel and the United States, and their slogan is "God is the greatest, death to America, death to Israel. Curse the Jews, victory to Islam."[15] The movement, whose militants oppose Yemen's internationally recognized government, has controlled a considerable swath of the country's territory along the Red Sea since 2014.

Since the onset of the Israel–Hamas war, which began with Hamas' October 7 attacks on Israel, the Hamas-allied group began to launch missiles and drones at Israel. They have attacked international shipping vessels in the Red Sea in acts deemed international piracy.[16][17] The Houthis' Red Sea attacks have drawn a military response from a number of countries. In January 2024, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2722, condemning the Houthi attacks and affirming freedom of navigation.[18] The United States-led Operation Prosperity Guardian was launched to protect Red Sea shipping. Since 12 January, the US and UK have led coalition air and missile strikes against the Houthis, while other countries are independently patrolling the waters near Yemen, attacking Houthi vessels in the Red Sea.[19]

19 July drone attack on Tel Aviv

The US Embassy branch office in Tel Aviv. The attack took place in the vicinity of the compound

On 19 July, a drone launched by Houthi militants from Yemen hit an apartment building near the US Embassy branch office in Tel Aviv, Israel's economic center. The drone strike killed one person in his apartment building, and injured 10 others.[20][21] The drone is suspected by the IDF to have been an Iranian-made Samad-3 modified by the Houthis to carry more fuel (for a longer range) in exchange for a smaller warhead.[22] The drone was spotted but not intercepted, due to human error. Likewise, no air raid siren was sounded.[22]

Airstrikes

According to Israel's Defense Ministry, the operational plans for striking Yemen were reviewed and approved on 20 July morning, with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, and other top defense officials overseeing the discussions.[23] The Israeli cabinet convened for a special emergency meeting, with ministers summoned on short notice, to approve the operation. The cabinet meeting, chaired by Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Chief of Staff Herzl Halevi, was conducted under strict censorship.[23]

According to Houthi officials, the strikes hit oil facilities and an electricity company in the Hudaydah Port, Yemen's principal harbor on the Red Sea, causing a fire and widespread power outages.[24] Images and videos posted on social media have shown flames and smoke rising in the city.[25] Saudi news outlet AlHadath reported that three people were killed and 15 others were injured.[26] The IDF said that it targeted Houthi military sites in the area of the port, used for weapon storage.[27] A senior US official reported that Israel was responsible for the operation, which was carried out unilaterally. He also indicated that the strike targeted a military facility used by the Houthis for acquiring and storing weapons.[23]

According to Israeli news outlet Ynet, the airstrikes targeted oil depots and Iranian arms storage facilities hidden by the Houthis, as well as an airport was also struck to disrupt arms transfers from Iran to Yemen.[4] The Hodeidah port is critically significant because it represents the primary lifeline for the Houthi-controlled parts of Yemen, facilitating their major means of importing and exporting goods.[28]

The airstrike involved complex logistical and tactical measures due to the significant distance of 1,700 kilometers from Israel. The operation utilized aerial refueling with Boeing 707 "Re'em" aircraft, low-altitude flights to evade enemy radar, and possibly coordination with Saudi Arabia.[4] The airstrikes mark the first time Israel has attacked Yemen.[5] The IDF's task force included aerial intelligence and surveillance by the "Nachshon" squadron, naval support from warships and possibly a submarine in the Red Sea, and the use of "stand-off" munitions from a range of 100 kilometers. The primary strike force comprised F-35I "Adir" and F-15 fighters.[4]

Hezbollah-linked TV channel Al Mayadeen reported that power outages have affected several areas in Hudaydah due to the strikes.[29]

The Israeli government awaited the return of the aircraft before confirming responsibility for the operation.

Analysis

According to an analysis by Ynet, the operation was meant as a deterrent to the pro-Iranian government in Sanaa and as a signal to the US-UK coalition that the IDF will no longer rely solely on allied air defense.[4]

Reactions

  •  Israel: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the strikes targeted the port because it was used for the military purposes and that they displayed that "there is no place that the long arm of the state of Israel will not reach."[30] Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari claimed responsibility for the attacks on behalf of the Israeli Defense Forces, stating that Israeli fighter jets struck Houthi military targets "in response to the hundreds of attacks against the State of Israel in recent months" to "send a message".[15] Foreign Minister Israel Katz said that the strikes served as a warning to Iran and dealt a "severe blow to Iran's terrorist branch in Yemen".[31] Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated, "the blood of Israeli citizens has a price," and emphasized that any attack on Israelis will be met with a response "identical" to those in Lebanon and Gaza. Gallant added, "The fire that is currently burning in Hodeidah is seen across the Middle East and the significance is clear." He further noted, "The first time that they harmed an Israeli citizen, we struck them. And we will do this in any place where it may be required."[32]
  •  Houthis: Houthi spokesperson Nasruddin Amer referred to the attacks as “a brutal Israeli aggression" specifically meant to cause suffering to the Yemeni population and force the Houthis to stop support for Gaza during the Israel-Hamas war. He stated that the attacks would only increase the Yemeni population's resolve in supporting Gaza and their willingness to face hardship for their sake.[15] Chief Houthi negotiator reiterated this sentiment in a public statement.[33] Houthi policymaker Mohammed al-Bukhaiti stated that the airstrike would only increase Yemeni military operations conducted against Israel until the war ended, stating that they would "meet escalation with escalation", he also stated that "the Zionist entity will pay the price for targeting civilian facilities, and we will meet escalation with escalation".[15][34]
  •  Hamas: The group condemned the attack. A member of the political bureau, Izzat al-Rishq, stated that "the occupation state will undoubtedly be burned by the fire ignited in Hudaydah today, and the mounting Zionist crimes will change the entire equation".[35]
  •  Hezbollah: The group called the operation a "foolish step" and said that it sparked a new and dangerous phase of confrontation across the Middle East.[36][37]
  •  United States: A spokesperson for the US National Security Council stated that the US had not coordinated with Israel on the airstrikes, adding that the country fully recognizes Israel's right to self-defense.[32]

See also

References

  1. ^ "IDF fighter jets target oil refining facilities, energy infrastructure in Yemen's Hodeidah". The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com. 20 July 2024. Retrieved 20 July 2024.
  2. ^ Fabian, Emanuel (20 July 2024). "IDF spokesman says Israel attacked Houthis alone, world should 'stand on one front'". Times of Israel.
  3. ^ "IDF fighter jets target oil refining facilities, energy infrastructure in Yemen's Hodeidah". The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com. 20 July 2024. Retrieved 20 July 2024.
  4. ^ a b c d e f זיתון, יואב (20 July 2024). "200 ק"מ רחוק יותר מטהרן: "צה"ל תקף אחרי 220 שיגורים" | זה השימוש החות'י בנמל שנפגע". Ynet (in Hebrew). Retrieved 20 July 2024.
  5. ^ a b Poole, Thom (20 July 2024). "Houthis blame Israel for strikes on Yemen a day after Tel Aviv attack". CNN. Retrieved 20 July 2024.
  6. ^ Fabian, Emanuel (20 July 2024). "IDF releases footage of F-15s prepping for Yemen airstrikes". Times of Israel.
  7. ^ Hansler, Oren Liebermann, Haley Britzky, Natasha Bertrand, Kevin Liptak, Alex Marquardt, MJ Lee, Jennifer (11 January 2024). "US and UK carry out airstrikes against Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen | CNN Politics". CNN. Retrieved 20 July 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  8. ^ Hansler, Jennifer (17 January 2024). "Biden administration re-designates Houthis as Specially Designated Global Terrorists". CNN. Archived from the original on 17 January 2024. Retrieved 17 January 2024.
  9. ^ Crowley, Michael (17 January 2024). "U.S. to Return Houthis to Terrorism List". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 20 July 2024.
  10. ^ "Saudi Arabia designates Muslim Brotherhood terrorist group". Reuters. 7 March 2014. Archived from the original on 27 June 2018. Retrieved 27 June 2018.
  11. ^ "مجلس الوزراء يعتمد قائمة التنظيمات الإرهابية. | Wam". Archived from the original on 17 November 2014.
  12. ^ "List of Individuals, Entities and Other Groups and Undertakings Declared by the Minister of Home Affairs As Specified Entity Under Section 66B(1)" (PDF). Ministry of Home Affairs of Malaysia. Archived (PDF) from the original on 9 October 2022. Retrieved 4 March 2020.
  13. ^ "Listed terrorist organisations: Ansar Allah". Australia Government. Retrieved 25 June 2024.
  14. ^ "Australia officially designates Houthis as a terrorist organization". The Jerusalem Post. 24 May 2024. Retrieved 24 May 2024.
  15. ^ a b c d "Yemen's Houthis have launched strikes at Israel during the war in Gaza. What threat do they pose?". AP News. 15 November 2023. Retrieved 20 July 2024.
  16. ^ "Houthi Attacks on International Shipping". United States Department of State. Retrieved 20 July 2024.
  17. ^ "Houthi Threat Triggers Surge in Pirate Attacks Off Somalia Coast". Bloomberg.com. 3 July 2024. Retrieved 20 July 2024.
  18. ^ "Houthi Attacks in the Red Sea: Issues for Congress". Congressional Research Service. 12 March 2024. Archived from the original on 15 March 2024. Retrieved 15 March 2024. Many Houthi attacks on commercial vessels have not appeared discriminate or linked to stated demands. Since October 17, the Houthis have attacked commercial and naval vessels more than 60 times (Figure 1)
  19. ^ "US names campaign to target Houthis in Yemen "Operation Poseidon Archer"". CNN. Archived from the original on 22 January 2024. Retrieved 22 January 2024.
  20. ^ Sobelman, Gabby; Boxerman, Aaron; Bergman, Ronen; Jakes, Lara; Mendell, Erin (19 July 2024). "Houthis Launch Deadly Drone Strike on Tel Aviv, Evading Israel's Defenses". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 20 July 2024.
  21. ^ Eugenia Yosef (19 July 2024). "Israel investigates security failures around deadly Tel Aviv drone strike". CNN. Retrieved 20 July 2024.
  22. ^ a b Fabian, Emanuel (20 July 2024). "IAF tracked drone that hit Tel Aviv for 6 minutes, but failed to classify it as threat". Times of Israel.
  23. ^ a b c "IDF fighter jets target oil refining facilities, energy infrastructure in Yemen's Hodeidah". The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com. 20 July 2024. Retrieved 20 July 2024.
  24. ^ "IDF says it has struck several Houthi targets in Yemen in response to attacks". NBC News. 20 July 2024.
  25. ^ Fabian, Emanuel (20 July 2024). "Airstrikes reported in Houthi-controlled city in Yemen, day after deadly Tel Aviv drone attack". Times of Israel.
  26. ^ Zitun, Yoav; Ari, Lior Ben (20 July 2024). "IDF strikes Yemen's Al Hudaydah days after Houthi drone attack". Ynetnews. Retrieved 20 July 2024.
  27. ^ "IDF confirms strike on 'Houthi terror regime' in response to attacks on Israel". The Times of Israel. 20 July 2024.
  28. ^ Ben-Yishai, Ron (20 July 2024). "Israel showcases long-range strike capability, hits Houthi lifeline". Ynetnews. Retrieved 20 July 2024.
  29. ^ "IDF jets target Houthi regime in strike on Hodeidah energy infrastructure". The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com. 20 July 2024. Retrieved 20 July 2024.
  30. ^ Michaelson, Ruth; Kierszenbaum, Quique; Graham-Harrison, Emma (20 July 2024). "Airstrikes hit Yemen port after Israel vows revenge for Houthi attack". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 20 July 2024.
  31. ^ "Israel says warplanes hit Houthi military targets in Yemen". South China Morning Post. 21 July 2024. Retrieved 20 July 2024.
  32. ^ a b Tanno, Thom Poole, Sophie (20 July 2024). "Israeli airstrikes target Yemen's Houthis day after deadly drone attack in Tel Aviv". CNN. Retrieved 20 July 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  33. ^ "Israeli jets strike Houthi targets in Yemen in response to attacks, military says". Reuters. 20 July 2024. Retrieved 20 July 2024.
  34. ^ "Houthi official says Israel will 'pay the price' for Yemen strikes". Al Jazeera. 20 July 2024.
  35. ^ "Israel says it strikes Yemen's Hodeidah in response to Houthi attacks". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 20 July 2024.
  36. ^ "Lebanon's Hezbollah says Israel Yemen strikes herald 'new, dangerous phase'". Al Arabiya. 20 July 2024. Retrieved 20 July 2024.
  37. ^ "Hezbollah: Israel's Yemen strikes herald 'new, dangerous phase'". Al Jazeera. 20 July 2024.
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