Prime Minister Netanyahu convened a special security cabinet meeting on Saturday at noon to approve the Israeli Air Force’s attack on Yemen.
“The containment policy is over,” stated a senior political official.
The Israeli attack in Yemen is a response to all Houthi attacks on Israel with missiles and drones since October 7.
Codenamed “Long Arm,” the Israeli Air Force operation involved 20 planes.
The attack occurred at six in the evening, with the planes refueled in the air due to the approximately 1700 km distance from Israel to Yemen.
The focus was on the Hodeidah port area, a major Houthi stronghold. Israel targeted military installations, power plants, and fuel depots.
Hodeidah port is the main gateway for Iranian weapons smuggled to the Houthis.
The Israeli Air Force also attacked logistics facilities used to unload these shipments.
Israel is preparing for a potential Houthi counter-attack on targets in Israel in the coming days.
The Houthis have openly discussed attacking the port of Haifa, the “Karish” gas rig, and the air force base in Nevatim.
A senior security official described the situation as extremely fragile, with the potential to escalate into a regional war.
Currently, there is no change in Prime Minister Netanyahu’s plan to travel to Washington for a meeting with President Biden and to address Congress, though this may change.
A senior security official stated that Israel is ready for an open round of fighting against the Houthis in Yemen, with a ready target bank of Houthi positions.
The Israeli Air Force’s operation demonstrates Israel’s long reach.
The attack in Yemen also sends a message to Iran that Israel can strike the heart of Tehran if necessary.
The Biden administration has shown understanding of Israel’s need to respond to the Houthi drone attack in Tel Aviv, which harmed civilians.
The US did not participate in the attack, emphasizing a solution through a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip to calm all fronts.
It is important to remember that Iran, the head of the “octopus of terrorism” in the Middle East, aims to destroy Israel through its affiliates, including the Houthis in Yemen.
Iran is also enriching uranium for nuclear weapons production.
A senior security official suggested that a direct Israeli attack on Iran and its nuclear facilities is inevitable: “It’s only a matter of time.”
