BTN News: Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, said on Saturday that his country will fight back if attacked. This statement came after the Israeli army launched an airstrike on Hodeida, Yemen. The attack targeted Houthi rebels who had fired a missile at Tel Aviv on Friday, killing one person. Netanyahu stressed that Israel will defend itself and that anyone who attacks will face serious consequences. The situation in the region is getting more tense, especially between Israel and groups supported by Iran.
Israel Promises Strong Defense Against Attacks
Netanyahu spoke on television to warn Israel’s enemies. He said, “We will defend ourselves on all fronts. Anyone who harms us will pay a high price.” He also said it is important to put pressure on what he called the “axis of evil” led by Iran. He focused on the Houthi rebels in Yemen, Hamas in Gaza, and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Herzi Halevi, the head of the Israeli army, agreed with Netanyahu. He said Iran is like an octopus with arms fighting in different places. “Iran fights here with one arm and there with another,” Halevi said.
Israel Launches Airstrike on Fuel Depots in Hodeida
On Saturday, Israeli fighter jets bombed fuel depots and oil refineries in Hodeida. This caused a big fire and injured about 80 people, some seriously. The airstrike was in response to the Houthi missile attack on Tel Aviv early Friday morning. The Houthi missile killed an Israeli man by mistake.
Netanyahu explained that the port they attacked was used for military purposes. He said, “The port we attacked was used to bring in deadly weapons from Iran to the Houthis.”
Netanyahu Asks for International Support Against Iran
Netanyahu called on the world to stand against Iran’s “axis of evil” and support Israel’s military actions against Iran and its allies in Yemen, Gaza, and Lebanon. Other Israeli leaders also warned that enemies who commit crimes against Israel will be punished.
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant talked about the regional impact of the conflict. He said, “The fire in Yemen affects the whole Middle East. When the Houthis harmed an Israeli citizen, we struck back, and we will do so whenever needed. Israeli blood has a price.” Army spokesperson Daniel Hagari added that Israel will keep defending itself as long as the attacks continue.
Yemen’s Insurgents and Hezbollah Vow Retaliation
After the airstrike, Yemeni insurgents promised to retaliate. They said Tel Aviv would “pay for attacking civilian facilities.” Houthi spokesperson Mohamed Abdelsalam said, “This brutal attack only makes the Yemeni people more determined to support Gaza.”
Hezbollah, a Lebanese group supported by Iran, also condemned the attack. They said Israel’s actions start a “new and dangerous phase of confrontation” in the Middle East. Hezbollah said, “The Zionist enemy’s reckless step marks the start of a dangerous phase in the whole region.” They believe Yemeni leaders can respond effectively to Israel’s attacks.
Calls for Caution from Within the Israeli Government
Despite the strong words and actions, some Israeli officials worry that the airstrike could lead to more attacks from Iranian-backed groups. The decision to bomb Hodeida was met with caution. Some officials warned that it might start a cycle of retaliations.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog defended the country’s right to self-defense. He said Israel had shown a lot of restraint for months and needed to protect itself, especially after the deadly attacks by Palestinian militants on October 7. Herzog said a clear message had been sent to Israel’s enemies.
In conclusion, Israel’s airstrike on Hodeida and the strong statements from its leaders show a determined stance against aggression from Iranian-backed groups. As tensions rise, the world is watching closely, knowing that this situation could affect the stability of the entire Middle East.
