For the first time, Iran-armed Houthi rebels in Yemen penettrated Israel air defenses, killing one Israeli civilian on Thursday night, July 18, and wounding 10.
The Houthi drone landed near the American consulate in Tel Aviv.
The Houthis have launched more than 200 cruise missiles and drones on Israel since Hamas’ attack on Israel, Oct. 7, 2023.
More missiles by the Houthis were fired against Eilat on Sunday, July 21, intercepted by Israel’s Arrow-3 missile defense system.
Hamas’ attack on Oct. 7 — powered by Iranian arms — triggered wider Iranian aggression against Israel and commercial shipping in the Red Sea.
Israel responded to the drone attack on Tel Aviv with a precision strike inside Yemen, 1,100 miles away, destroying fuel depots, a power station and container cranes used to unload weapons. They were located in the Yemeni port of Hodeidah.
The mission, named “Operation Outstretched Arm,” untilized F-15 and F-35 fighter jets. They were refueled en route to their targets. Flight time was two hours and 50 minutes.
The White House said, July 21, “We’ve been in regular and ongoing contact with the Israelis following the strike in Tel Aviv that killed an Israeli civilian. We fully recognize and acknolwedge Israel’s right to self-defense.
“The United States was not involved in toay’s strike in Yemen, and we did not coordinate or assist Israel with the strikes.”
The attack from Yemen are simultaneous with Iran-backed attacks on northern Israel by Hezbollah from Lebanon and Hamas attacks on Israeli troops in Gaza.
“The fire that is currently burning in Yemen is seen across the Middle East,” said Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
“The first time that the Houtthis harmed an Israeli citizen, we struck them. And we will do this in any place where it may be required.”
© IJN 2024
