Aden — Israel has officially designated Yemen as a new front in its military engagements, responding to recent missile attacks launched by Houthi forces targeting Israeli infrastructure.

The announcement came hours after a series of ballistic missiles originating from Yemeni territory struck areas near Ben Gurion Airport, prompting temporary flight suspensions and heightened national alert. 

The Israeli Defense Ministry stated that the attacks signify “a new strategic threat,” and that military operations against Houthi positions inside Yemen are already underway.

“Gaza and Yemen are now our primary fronts,” said Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant in a televised briefing. “We are preparing for a long-term confrontation, and we have a comprehensive target bank within the Yemeni theater.”

In retaliation, Israeli drones conducted precision strikes on the port city of Hodeidah, a key logistics hub for the Houthis, aiming to degrade their economic and military capabilities. Israeli military sources indicated that further operations are being planned in coordination with regional intelligence.

Strategic Implications

Yemen marks a significant shift in its security doctrine, linking the Yemeni conflict to its wider confrontation with Iran. The Houthi movement, widely seen as an Iranian proxy, has intensified its military activities beyond the Arabian Peninsula, signaling a willingness to engage directly with Israel.

“The Houthis have made it clear that their ceasefire with the United States does not apply to Israel,” said Dr. Miriam Tal, senior fellow at the Institute for National Security Studies. “This opens a volatile new chapter in Middle Eastern dynamics.”

Humanitarian Concerns

International organizations have expressed concern over potential humanitarian fallout, especially in light of ongoing crises in Gaza and southern Lebanon. UN officials urged restraint and emphasized the need to avoid further destabilization in an already fragile region.