The IAF attack in the Hodeidah area of Yemen was carried out by 20 fighter jets, some of which were refueled in mid-air, and at a distance of more than 1,700 kilometers (1,000 miles) from Israel – 200 kilometers farther than Tehran, as confirmed by the IDF.
This operation was a cumulative response to the Houthi attacks via drones and missiles, which numbered at about 220 over the past nine months, most of which were intercepted and downed by the American Central Command and the air defense system.
Was the drone worth it, islamo-pirates?
— 𝗡𝗶𝗼𝗵 𝗕𝗲𝗿𝗴 ♛ ✡︎ (@NiohBerg) July 20, 2024
The Israeli attack was executed not just due of the Houthi drone strike in Tel Aviv, but also because it was the first time a Houthi attack crossed the airspace and caused casualties. In this case, Evgeny Frader, 50, was killed early Friday morning by said drone strike.
The attack had been long planned, but was prepared for execution in a short time, starting from yesterday by the IAF and with US knowledge. The Chief of Staff and the Air Force Commander commanded from the Kirya bunker, with the presence of the Prime Minister and the Defense Minister. The military states they are prepared for a response, even if it is more extensive, similar to the Iranian attack in April, but added that there is no change in Home Front Command guidelines.
A security source told Israel Hayom that the decision to strike was made despite Israel's understanding that such an action would lead to prolonged exchanges of blows. This was because the assessment was that not responding to the UAV in Tel Aviv would be more severe – both in terms of deterrence against Iran, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. Before the decision to attack, Israel identified an 'increased appetite' of the Houthis after their success on Friday morning and a reluctance to be content with the strike in Tel Aviv. The ability to carry out the strike within 24 hours stems from prior preparation in the Air Force and a series of discussions on the subject in recent weeks. The last discussion on the matter took place just 10 days ago with Galant.
Video: IAF preparation to attack Houthi targets in western Yemen
The port of Hodeidah is one of the main routes through which military supplies and weapons from Iran enter Yemen. About 70% of the goods arriving there go to the Houthis, who act as protection racket for the humanitarian aid arriving at the location. The strike damaged infrastructures that would affect its function as a supply route for weapons launched at Israel.
Additionally, energy infrastructures were targeted, which, beyond their usage, are a source of income for the pro-Iranian militias in the country. These militias have harmed dozens of ships and caused damage to global trade routes and the world economy: in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Europe, making the interest to stop the Houthi terror international.
