Netanyahu claims Al Hudaydah port in Yemen that Israel struck used to supply Iranian weapons to Houthis

By Rania Abu Shamala

ISTANBUL (AA) - Israel’s prime minister said Saturday that western Yemen’s Al Hudaydah port was used to supply the Houthis with Iranian weapons, according to media reports.

“The port we attacked isn’t an innocent one. It was used for military purposes and as an entrance point to lethal weapons provided to the Houthis via Iran,” said Netanyahu, the Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth reported. “I have a message to Israel’s enemies: Don’t underestimate us. We’ll defend ourselves on any front and by any means.”

The Houthi-affiliated Al-Masirah channel reported casualties earlier from Israeli airstrikes on the Al Hudaydah port.

The strikes targeted oil storage facilities at the port, as well as the power station in the governorate.

It was the first direct Israeli response to recent Houthi attacks.

The Israeli airstrikes came after a drone attack by the Houthi group against Tel Aviv early Friday, which resulted in the death of one Israeli and injuries to nine others.

The Houthis have been targeting ships that are Israeli-owned, flagged, operated or headed to Israeli ports in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden with missiles and drones in solidarity with Gaza, which has been under a devastating Israeli onslaught since Oct. 7.