Israeli forces targeted the port of Hodeidah as their initial response against the Houthis, citing reports that military supplies from Iran enter through this port, classifying it as a legitimate military target.

Confirming earlier reports, the IDF acknowledged responsibility for airstrikes at the port that triggered significant explosions and sent plumes of smoke into the air.

“IDF fighter jets recently attacked military targets of the Houthi terrorist regime in the Hodeidah port area in Yemen, in response to the hundreds of attacks against the State of Israel in recent months,” the IDF stated.

On Friday morning, a drone launched from Yemen exploded near an apartment building in Tel Aviv, killing one Israeli and injuring eight others.

“The Houthis attacked us over 200 times – the first time they harmed an Israeli citizen, we retaliated. We will continue to respond as needed; Israeli lives are not expendable,” Gallant said.

“We understand that in Lebanon, Gaza, Yemen, and elsewhere, if they provoke us, the outcome will be the same,” he added.

According to the IDF, approximately 200 launches of cruise missiles and drones by the Houthis have been detected since last October, with the majority intercepted by Israeli and U.S. forces. Israeli officials stressed that the operation was conducted solely by Israeli forces and that American authorities were informed beforehand.

Israeli media reported that the airstrikes were executed using stand-off weapons fired from hundreds of kilometers away by F-15 and F-35 fighter jets, which required mid-air refueling due to the extensive distances involved.

The IDF later released footage showing preparations of the F-15 squadrons before takeoff.