The Israeli navy launched missile strikes on Yemen’s Red Sea port city of Hodeidah late Monday, marking its first direct naval engagement in the country and escalating the broader regional conflict tied to the war in Gaza.

Strategic Port Targeted in Naval Escalation

According to a statement from the Israeli military, naval forces struck port facilities in Hodeidah used by Houthi rebels to transfer weapons. Israel described the attack as a response to the group’s “cynical exploitation of civilian infrastructure” to conduct attacks on Israel. The Houthis acknowledged the strike via their Al-Masirah satellite channel but did not provide further details.

The move follows repeated Houthi drone and missile attacks on Israel and Red Sea shipping lanes in recent months.

Evacuation Warnings Preceded Strike

Ahead of the attack, Israeli authorities issued online warnings for civilians to evacuate the ports of Ras Isa, Hodeidah, and al-Salif. The Israeli strike appears aimed at disrupting the Houthis' military logistics while sending a signal that Israel is prepared to open a new front at sea.

This development raises concerns over humanitarian fallout, as Hodeidah is the primary entry point for aid to millions of Yemenis since the war began in 2014.

Broader Context of Houthi Attacks and U.S. Involvement

Between late 2023 and early 2025, Houthi forces targeted over 100 commercial ships, sinking two and killing at least four sailors. Although attacks paused after U.S. strikes in March, the Israeli naval action marks a new escalation vector.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth noted that U.S. warships recently transited the Red Sea without challenge, crediting operations like ROUGH RIDER and Trump’s “Peace Through Strength” policy.