Israel conducted airstrikes on Yemen’s Hodeidah port on May 5, 2025, targeting Iran-backed Houthi military infrastructure in retaliation for a ballistic missile attack near Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport on May 4. The Houthi strike, which injured eight people and disrupted flights, exposed vulnerabilities in Israel’s defense systems, prompting a swift and forceful response. This escalation, tied to the ongoing Gaza conflict, raises concerns about regional stability, humanitarian impacts, and compliance with international law.
Houthi Missile Strike and Its Fallout
On May 4, 2025, a ballistic missile launched by Yemen’s Houthi rebels struck the perimeter of Ben Gurion Airport’s main terminal, creating a large crater and damaging a road and vehicle. The attack injured eight Israelis, with two hurt while rushing to shelters, and led to a temporary suspension of air traffic, with airlines like British Airways canceling flights. The Houthis claimed the missile was hypersonic, boasting a 2,150-kilometer range and stealth capabilities, as reported by BBC News. Israel’s advanced defense systems, including U.S.-made THAAD and Arrow, failed to intercept the missile due to a technical issue, marking a rare breach and prompting an IDF investigation.
The attack, the first to land so close to Israel’s main airport, was described by the Israel Airports Authority as a significant escalation. Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree framed it as solidarity with Palestinians, citing Israel’s expanded military operations in Gaza, which have killed over 52,000 people since October 2023, according to Gaza health officials.
Israel’s Retaliatory Airstrikes
On May 5, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) deployed approximately 20 fighter jets to strike Houthi targets in Hodeidah, focusing on the seaport and a cement factory east of the city. The port, a conduit for Iranian weapon transfers, was hit at least six times, while the factory, allegedly used for tunnel construction and military infrastructure, was also targeted, per CNN. Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV reported at least one death and over 30 injuries, primarily at the factory. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, vowing retaliation, linked the Houthis to Iran, stating, “Israel will respond to the Houthi attack and, at a time of our choosing, to their Iranian terror masters.” Defense Minister Israel Katz added, “Anyone who hits us, we will hit them seven times stronger.”
The strikes, coordinated with the U.S. but executed unilaterally, marked Israel’s first direct attack on Yemen in months, following a period of reliance on U.S.-led operations against the Houthis. The operation aimed to disrupt Houthi military capabilities while signaling deterrence to Iran.
Context: Gaza War and Houthi Campaign
The Houthi attack is part of a broader campaign targeting Israel and Red Sea shipping since the Gaza war began, with over 100 missile and drone attacks launched in solidarity with Palestinians. Most were intercepted, but the May 4 strike’s success highlighted the group’s advancing technology, likely supported by Iran. The Houthis have vowed a “comprehensive aerial blockade” on Israeli airports, tying their actions to Israel’s Gaza operations, which intensified after a collapsed ceasefire in March 2025.
Israel’s response aligns with its strategy of targeting Houthi infrastructure to curb their operational capacity. Hodeidah’s port, critical for both military and humanitarian purposes, has been a focal point in prior strikes, including U.S.-led campaigns costing nearly $1 billion since March 2025. The cement factory’s targeting reflects Israel’s focus on disrupting Houthi military engineering, such as tunnels used for weapon storage.
Regional and Humanitarian Implications
This escalation threatens Middle East stability, with Hodeidah’s port serving as Yemen’s primary aid conduit for 18 million people in need. The UN has warned that attacks on such infrastructure could paralyze humanitarian operations, worsening malnutrition and displacement in Yemen’s ongoing crisis. The Houthi retaliation threat, including further airport attacks, risks a cycle of violence that could draw in Iran and strain U.S.-Israel relations, given the THAAD system’s failure.
Netanyahu’s framing of the Houthis as an Iranian proxy escalates tensions with Tehran, with some Israeli officials advocating strikes on Iran. Domestic critics, including the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, urged prioritizing the release of 59 Gaza hostages over military escalation, reflecting internal divisions.
Legal and Strategic Controversies
The airstrikes on Hodeidah’s civilian infrastructure raise concerns about international humanitarian law violations, as the port’s dual use does not exempt it from protections. Similarly, the Houthi attack on a civilian airport violates principles of distinction and proportionality. Both actions could face scrutiny, though geopolitical divisions make accountability unlikely. Israel’s defense failure, despite U.S. support, may prompt reevaluation of military technology and alliances, impacting perceptions of its security.
Social media reflects polarized views, with some users lauding Houthi resistance and others condemning their attacks as reckless. The escalation underscores the Gaza conflict’s regional ripple effects, complicating peace efforts.
Timeline of Key Events
| Date | Event | Location | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 4, 2025 | Houthi missile strike | Near Ben Gurion Airport | 8 injured, flights halted, defense failure |
| May 5, 2025 | Israeli airstrikes | Hodeidah, Yemen | 1 death, 30+ injuries, humanitarian risks |
Key Details of the Conflict
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Houthi Attack | Ballistic missile, hypersonic claim, 8 injured |
| Israeli Response | 20 jets, 50 munitions on Hodeidah port, cement factory |
| Casualties | Yemen: 1 death, 30+ injuries; Israel: 8 injuries |
| Legal Issues | Targeting civilian infrastructure raises concerns |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why did the Houthis target Ben Gurion Airport?
The Houthis attacked in solidarity with Palestinians, protesting Israel’s Gaza operations, aiming to disrupt air traffic and signal defiance.
What were Israel’s targets in Yemen?
Israel struck Hodeidah’s port, used for Iranian weapon transfers, and a cement factory linked to Houthi military infrastructure.
How does this impact Yemen’s humanitarian crisis?
Strikes on Hodeidah port, vital for aid, risk worsening food insecurity and displacement for 18 million Yemenis.
Could this escalate into a broader conflict?
Yes, with Iran’s involvement and Houthi retaliation threats, the conflict could draw in regional powers and destabilize the Middle East.
Conclusion
Israel’s airstrikes on Hodeidah on May 5, 2025, in response to a Houthi missile attack near Ben Gurion Airport, mark a dangerous escalation in the Middle East. The Houthi strike’s penetration of Israel’s defenses and the targeting of Yemen’s aid-critical port highlight strategic vulnerabilities and humanitarian risks. With legal controversies and Iran’s shadow looming, urgent diplomacy is needed to prevent further destabilization and address the Gaza conflict’s broader fallout.