‘The Era Of Restraint Is Over:’ Israel Strikes Houthi Terror Infrastructure In Yemen
Israel launched airstrikes in Yemen late Monday (5th), targeting Houthi infrastructure in coordination with the United States, a day after a missile fired from Yemen exploded near a Ben Gurion Airport terminal, injuring six people.
The Israeli operation, dubbed “Port City,” struck the port of Hudaydah and a cement factory used for weapons production according to Israeli security officials. The strike marked a significant escalation following weeks of Houthi missile and drone attacks, which had previously failed to land inside Israeli territory.
“A total of 50 munitions were dropped. We destroyed Hudaydah Port and facilities used to manufacture arms,” a senior Israeli official said. “This was a very powerful strike – and it will not be the last. The era of restraint is over.”
According to the Israel Defense Forces, fighter jets targeted terror infrastructure belonging to the Houthi regime along the Yemeni coast, roughly 2,000 kilometers from Israeli territory. The IDF said the strikes were in response to repeated Houthi rocket and drone attacks on Israel and its civilians.
The military said the Hudaydah port serves as a central source of revenue for the Houthis and a conduit for Iranian weapons, military supplies and equipment used for terrorism. The Bajil cement factory east of Hudaydah was also targeted, according to the IDF, the plant supports the Houthis military infrastructure, including tunnel-building efforts, and its destruction dealt a blow to the group’s economic and military capabilities.
The IDF also blamed Iran for directing and financing Houthi aggression over the past year and a half, saying the group’s actions have endangered Israel, destabilized the region and disrupted global maritime routes. “The IDF is determined to continue forcefully striking any threat to Israeli civilians – at any distance,” the statement read.
The airstrikes coincided with U.S. attacks on Houthi targets in Yemen’s capital, Sana’a, and elsewhere. Saudi-owned Al-Hadath television reported that more than 30 Israeli aircraft participated in the strikes, which hit at least nine Houthi sites, including the Bajil cement plant where casualties were reported.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a video posted on social media before the strikes, said he was en route to the military headquarters in Tel Aviv but did not elaborate on the situation. “We have acted before and will act again,” he said. “This is not a one-time strike. There will be more.”
The Houthis responded defiantly, with senior official Mohammed al-Bukhaiti warning of further escalation and threatening to impose an aerial blockade on Israel. “The latest attack on Ben Gurion was a warning, “ he said, claiming that their missile capabilities remained intact and hidden.
The political bureau of the Houthis told Qatar-based Al-Araby television that Israel targeted economic rather than military sites “because it could not reach the military ones.” They accused Israel and the United States of trying to provoke internal unrest in Yemen.
The explosion at Ben Gurion Airport marked a turning point in Israel’s response strategy. Although more than two dozen Houthi projectiles had been launched toward Israel in recent weeks, Sunday’s (4th) incident was the first to cause injuries and land directly on Israeli soil, promoting the cancellation of multiple flights by foreign airlines.
Until now, Israel had largely refrained from retaliating directly, deferring to U.S. military operations and responding to a reported request from Washington to allow the U.S. to handle the Houthi threat independently.
Israel’s last major strike in Yemen occurred in December, during a televised speech by Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi. That operation targeted Sana’a airport, knocking its control tower out of service, as well as Hudaydah port and a power station. The IDF used about 25 aircraft in that mission and coordinated in advance with the United States.
Since March 15, the Trump administration has intensified airstrikes against Houthi targets, launching more attacks in six weeks than the Biden administration did over 13 months. According to the U.S. Central Command, over 800 Houthi sites have been targeted, and missile and drone attacks have decreased significantly. Still, the primary goal of halting Houthi attacks on Israel and shipping in the Red Sea remains unmet.
No Withdrawals – Even For A Hostage Deal – Israel To Permanently Occupy Gaza, Says Minister
Israel will capture and permanently occupy the entire Gaza Strip as part of the expanded ground operation approved by the Security Council Monday morning (5th), a senior Israeli government minister said.
Following seven hours of deliberations overnight, ministers voted unanimously to back a proposal to initiate a new stage in the IDF’s war against the Hamas terror organization in Gaza, dubbed Operation Gideon’s Chariots.
The plan, which has no declared timeframe for its launch, is expected to be implemented in the next few weeks, should Hamas fail to reach a deal with Israel for the return of the remaining 59 hostages.
Speaking at the annual B’Sheva Jerusalem Conference , Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said that once initiated, the new operation will mark the beginning of permanent Israeli control over the coastal enclave.
“We are finally going to conquer the Gaza Strip. It’s time to stop being afraid of the word ‘occupation.’ That used to be the most basic word in the early days of the state – a people that wants to live conquers its land.”
“We are conquering territory and remaining there. We will finally take control of all humanitarian aid, so it doesn’t become a supply chain for Hamas.”
“We will separate Hamas from the population, cleanse the Strip, return the hostages – and defeat Hamas.
Smotrich emphasized that under the terms of the plan presented to and approved by the Security Cabinet, once the IDF launches Gideon’s Chariots, Israel will under no circumstances relinquish territory in the Strip.
“From the moment the maneuver begins – there will be no withdrawal from the areas we’ve captured, not even in exchange for hostages. The only way to free the hostages is to defeat Hamas. Any withdrawal will lead to another October 7th.”
“We are defeating Hamas – we will not surrender – they will surrender.”
A long-time advocate of applying Israeli sovereignty to Judea, Samaria, and Gaza, Smotrich said that the government is mulling the possibility of annexing the Gaza Strip, but added that the issue will be resolved after the area is placed under full Israeli control.
“Once we conquer and remain – we can talk about sovereignty . But I didn’t demand it as a declared goal of the war. First we defeat Hamas and ensure it cannot survive.”
Israel Implementing New System For Humanitarian Aid Distribution
Israel is establishing a system to distribute aid to Gaza in Rafah, between Morag and Philadelphi Corridors, in an area under IDF control, where civilians will be admitted only after strict screening.
According to the report, three different distribution centers will be established in Rafah, which will be the aid hub for all Gaza. One of the goals of the move is to expedite the transfer of civilians from the north of the Strip to the south.
The distribution of aid will be carried out using a single representative from each Gazan family, who will be authorized to come to the distribution centers and take the aid in a measured amount for their family only.
According to calculations made by the security system, the average Gazan family needs about 70 kg of food per week to survive, and the aid will be provided in a manner that prevents a situation of starvation in Gaza but will not create an opportunity for Hamas to take control of it.
According to Galei Tzahal , the distribution will be carried out through a formal registration managed by non-profit organizations and American private companies.
A security source said, “Hamas will find it much harder to seize aid from Gazan families. There is a difference between stealing a truck, as they have done until now, and taking food from people’s hands and leaving them hungry. We believe this is the best plan to ensure that aid does not fall into Hamas’ hands.”
‘Massacre Of Druze In Syria Is A Warning Sign For Israel,’ Spiritual Leader Says
Sheikh Muafak Tarif, the spiritual leader of the Druze community in Israel, warned on Monday (5th) that the massacre of Druze civilians in southern Syria should serve as a warning to Israel.
At the conference hosted at the Western Galilee Academic College, which brought together Druze leaders, Israeli security officials, and dozens of academic researchers focused on Druze security in Israel, Tarif addressed the worsening violence near Damascus.
“We are in a difficult and complex period,” he said. “The massacre taking place in Druze communities in Syria is shocking to all of us and, regrettably, far from over. There are terrorist attacks aimed at ethnic cleansing.”
Tarif noted that the Druze in Syria had hoped for international support after their own government failed to protect them. “But that did not happen,” he said.
While emphasizing that the Israeli Druze community does not interfere in Syria’s internal matters, Tarif stressed: “We will do everything we can to support them.”
He warned that the unfolding violence just over the border poses a broader threat, “The massacre should be a red flag for Israel. Just 90 minutes from here, extremist terror groups are gaining ground.”
“After October 7, and in light of the growing threat from Hezbollah, can Israel afford to allow extremist groups to gain a foothold along its northern border? A political solution must be reached to ensure the safety of our brothers in Syria.”
The conference featured additional speakers and representatives from the Druze community, as well as from the Israeli academic and security sectors.
Prof. Nissim Ben-David, President of Western Galilee Academic College, said: “This conference comes at a critical time for both Israeli society and the Druze community. The blood alliance between the Druze and the State of Israel is rooted in our shared history and is renewed daily. It must be honored not only in rhetoric , but through acts of genuine partnership.”
Jordan Evacuates Some 1,800 Tourists from Petra After Flooding hits
Jordan authorities on Sunday (4th) evacuated nearly 1,800 tourists from the ancient city of Petra after the area was hit by flooding, an official told state television.
“Rescue teams… evacuated hundreds of tourists from Petra after flash floods hit the archaeological site,” Al Mamlaka TV quoted local official Yazan Mohadin as saying.
“The number of tourists visiting the site Sunday (4th) recorded 1,785, and civil defense teams evacuated the majority of them,” he said, adding that no casualties were recorded.
Jordan’s meteorological authority published a video showing flash floods hitting the ancient city. It showed tourists gathering in the entrance of the treasury, one of the site’s most iconic tombs, before being evacuated.
Similar evacuations have occurred in the past, as the area witnesses increasing rains and storms.
Petra, famous for its stunning temples hewn from rose-pink cliff faces, is a UN World Heritage site. It was chosen as one of the New Seven Wonders Of the World in a 2007 online poll.
Heavy rainstorms also hit southern Israel on Sunday (4th), causing similar flooding and leading to closures on several main roads and calls by police to avoid affected areas.
Israeli Consulate To Celebrate Independence Day In New York
With the participation of some thousand celebrants, released hostage Agam Berger, the Mayor of New York, members of Congress’ House and Senate, the Israeli Consulate in New York will celebrate the Israeli 77th Independence Day next week.
At the event, early next week in New York, Agam Berger, an IDF soldier who was captured on October 7, will, for the first time since her return, address a public gathering.
Mayor Eric Adams will be present as will Congressmen Torres and Lopez who are very great friends of Israel and represent the two major political parties.
Israeli musicians will play and sing and Israeli dance troupes will perform.
The Consul General of Israel in New York, Ofir Akunis, said in anticipation of the event that “in every place in the world, Jewish communities should celebrate our Independence Day.”
“This is one of the most important days in the long journey of our people after 2,000 years. In spite of our enemies, we will rejoice on Independence day and prove to them that we have no intention of being deterred by their anti-Semitic outbursts and hatred of Israel. We are here to stay.”
