Thu Dec 19 05:13:10 UTC 2024: ## Israel Strikes Yemen After Intercepting Houthi Missile
**JERUSALEM, December 19, 2024** – Israel launched airstrikes on Houthi rebel ports and energy infrastructure in Yemen on Thursday, following the interception of a missile fired from the country. The strikes targeted Sanaa and Hodeidah, with Houthi media reporting casualties and damage to power stations and oil facilities.
Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a stark warning to Houthi leaders, stating that Israel’s reach extends far and will retaliate against further attacks. This escalation follows a series of attacks attributed to the Houthis, including a missile aimed at Tel Aviv earlier this week and a drone attack in July that killed an Israeli civilian. The Houthis, who have been targeting Israeli interests in solidarity with Palestinians, claim their actions will continue until the conflict in Gaza ends.
The Israeli military claims the strikes were precise and targeted military installations used by the Houthis. Spokesman Daniel Hagari described the Houthis as a global threat, citing Iranian support for the group and vowing continued action against any entity that threatens Israel. The increased tensions highlight the widening scope of the conflict, with the Houthis’ actions extending beyond Yemen’s borders and drawing retaliatory responses from Israel and other international actors. Previous incidents include Houthi drone attacks targeting Israeli cities, ships in the Red Sea, and a residential building in Yavne, as well as missile intercepts.
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