Israeli bombing of Yemeni port is message to Middle East, says Israeli Defense Minister

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who faces an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court for possible war crimes in Gaza, said Israel targeted the Houthis in Yemen to send a message to the Middle East.

“The fire raging in Hodeidah is visible throughout the Middle East and its significance is clear,” Gallant said in a statement. “The Houthis have attacked us more than 200 times. When they first injured an Israeli citizen, we responded with a strike. We will continue to act wherever necessary.”

On Friday, a long-range drone struck central Tel Aviv, an attack claimed by the Houthis. One man was killed and at least four others were injured.

The Houthi attacks on Israel are a response to the ongoing Israeli assault on Gaza, the group says.