Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday accused Iran of orchestrating Houthi attacks against Israel and warned that Israel would escalate its military response, including further strikes on the group’s leadership and infrastructure.
“Iran stands behind them, providing support, guidance and approval,” Netanyahu said.
“The Houthis will pay a very heavy price, and we will defend ourselves through all necessary means to protect Israel's security.”
Earlier on Friday, Israeli airstrikes targeted the Houthi-controlled ports of Hodeidah and Salif in Yemen. The Israeli military reported that 15 fighter jets dropped over 30 munitions on these ports, which it said were to be used for transferring weapons.
Netanyahu confirmed the strikes saying, “Our pilots have now successfully struck two Houthi terrorist ports again, and this is just the continuation, with more to come.”
“We are not willing to sit aside and let the Houthis harm us. We will strike them much harder, including their leadership and all infrastructure that enables them to attack us.”
The Houthis have continued firing missiles at Israel in support of Palestinians in Gaza, though they have stopped targeting US ships.
In response, Israel has launched retaliatory strikes, including a May 6 attack on Sanaa airport in Yemen that killed several people.
