Photo by
Anthony Hershko/TPS-IL on 15 March, 2025
Israel Vows Naval Blockade of Yemen After Airstrike Destroys Final Houthi Aircraft
Jerusalem, 28 May, 2025 (TPS-IL) -- Israel has vowed to impose a naval and air blockade on the Iran-backed Houthi militia in Yemen, following an Israeli Air Force strike on the main airport in Sana’a that destroyed the group’s last operational aircraft. Defense Minister Israel Katz announced the action on Wednesday, warning that Yemen’s ports and strategic infrastructure remain targets for future strikes.
“Whoever fires at the State of Israel will pay heavy prices,” Katz said, adding, “Whoever harms us will be harmed sevenfold.” He emphasized that Israel is prepared to escalate its campaign against the Houthis in response to continued aggression.
“The Houthi terrorist organization will be under naval and air blockade – as we have pledged and warned,” Katz said.
According to the Israel Defense Forces, the targeted aircraft at Sana’a airport had been used to transport operatives involved in planning terror attacks against Israel. The military said the strike follows previous attacks on the Houthi-controlled ports of Hodeidah and al-Salif, both of which have allegedly been repurposed for terror-related activities.
“The Houthi terrorist organization continues to exploit civilian infrastructure for brutal and illegitimate purposes,” the IDF said in a statement. “The Israeli military remains determined to strike with force at any threat to its citizens, wherever it may originate.”
Several major international airlines canceled flights to Tel Aviv on May 4 after a ballistic missile fired from Yemen struck within Ben Gurion International Airport’s grounds — the first time a missile has landed inside the airport complex.
Since March 18, when Israel resumed its campaign against Hamas following a temporary ceasefire, Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis have launched more than 27 ballistic missiles and several drones at Israel. The majority were either intercepted or fell short of Israeli territory. Since Hamas’ October 7 attack, the terror group has launched more than 200 missiles and 170 drones.
At least 1,180 people were killed, and 252 Israelis and foreigners were taken hostage in Hamas’s attacks on Israeli communities near the Gaza border on October 7. Of the 59 remaining hostages, 36 are believed to be dead.
