The Israeli Navy conducted an unprecedented attack on Tuesday against Hodeidah port in Yemen, located approximately 1,240 miles from Israel. The strike, carried out using Sa'ar 6 missile boats, involved launching two long-range precision missiles that struck pier infrastructure at the port. The operation was conducted in coordination with military intelligence and the Israeli Air Force, aimed at disrupting the transfer of weapons to the Houthis, who use the port to transport arms and missiles launched toward the Red Sea and Israel.
Hodeidah port serves as a central channel for the entry of merchant ships, some carrying goods and others carrying combat equipment for the Iranian-backed Houthis. The strike is part of ongoing efforts to damage port infrastructure, including waiting areas, docking pools, and piers, to reduce the volume of incoming goods and send a message that this is a combat zone. The damage to the piers was intended to affect shipping companies and reduce Houthi stability in the region.
The operation was meticulously planned with precise timing based on sea conditions, using long-range missiles launched from Sa'ar 6 boats equipped with defensive and offensive capabilities for long distances. About a quarter of the crew members on the ships were women, who participated significantly in the operation.
The Houthis pose a threat not only to Israel but also to global shipping traffic in the Red Sea and Suez Canal, and their activity in recent weeks has damaged regional stability. Israel, which has acted against them previously, continues to operate using various methods while continuously learning and adapting strategies. The Israel Defense Forces stated that one of the main reasons the navy was chosen is its ability to operate covertly for extended periods while maintaining operational flexibility.
Data indicates a decline in the volume of merchant ships entering Hodeidah port as a result of sustained attacks, and the current operation reflects efforts to deepen this achievement. Israel cooperates generally with the United States, but emphasizes that it operates independently in this operation. The maritime space in the Red Sea is not sterile, and operations are conducted according to operational opportunities.
The attack highlights the complexity of operating at long distances and under changing sea conditions, as the navy prepares a comprehensive toolkit for dealing with complex scenarios. The purpose is to achieve significant damage to Houthi capabilities while maintaining a strategic advantage in the maritime domain.
