Israel and U.S. launch major airstrikes on Yemen’s Hodeidah in response to Houthi missile attack

On Monday, May 5, 2025, Israel, in coordination with the United States, conducted extensive airstrikes targeting Houthi-controlled sites in Yemen’s Hodeidah province, following a Houthi ballistic missile strike near Ben Gurion Airport the previous day. According to Arab media, including Al-Arabiya, over 30 Israeli fighter jets participated in the operation, which included at least four waves of strikes on Hodeidah port and its surroundings, as well as a cement factory in Bajil. The Houthis confirmed the joint U.S.-Israel attack, marking Israel’s sixth strike in Yemen since the onset of Houthi attacks in October 2023.

The Houthi missile strike on May 4, 2025, injured six people lightly to moderately, caused two cases of anxiety, and disrupted airport operations, grounding flights for nearly an hour. The IDF reported a “technical failure” in the Arrow 3 and U.S. THAAD systems, which failed to intercept the missile, the first such miss since hostilities resumed. IDF Spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin stated, “From initial findings, it is likely a specific technical failure in the interceptor fired at the missile,” clarifying that detection and alert systems functioned correctly. The attack prompted about 20 foreign airlines to suspend flights to Israel for up to 72 hours, while Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree threatened a “comprehensive aerial blockade” targeting Israeli airports.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed a strong response, stating, “We’ve acted against them in the past, and we’ll act again in the future. This isn’t a one-and-done, but there will be some big hits.” In a tweet responding to U.S. President Donald Trump, he added, “Israel will respond to the Houthi attack on our airport, and also, at a time and place of our choosing, against their Iranian terror masters.” Transportation Minister Miri Regev confirmed Ben Gurion Airport resumed full operations within 30 minutes, with 30 foreign airlines continuing service alongside Israeli carriers El Al, Arkia, and Israir.

The operation, conducted hours after U.S. strikes in Yemen, follows Israel’s last major attack on December 26, 2024, dubbed “Sounds of the Vineyard,” which killed six and injured 40. Political figures, including Benny Gantz, called for targeting Iran, stating, “This is not Yemen, this is Iran. Iran must be held accountable.” The strikes, overseen by Netanyahu, Defense Minister Katz, and Chief of Staff Zamir from a command bunker, underscore escalating regional tensions.