In response to missile launches targeting Israel, Israeli fighter jets executed airstrikes on Houthi-controlled targets at Sanaa airport in Yemen, successfully destroying the group's remaining aircraft. Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz emphasized that this operation sends a stern warning: any attacks against Israel will incur severe retaliation.
"Air Force jets have just struck terror targets of the Houthi terrorist organization at the airport in Sanaa and destroyed the last aircraft remaining," Katz declared. "This is a clear message and a continuation of our policy: whoever fires at the State of Israel will pay a heavy price."
Following the strike, Houthi media confirmed the attack on Sanaa airport. The Israeli military stated that the targeted aircraft were utilized for terrorist operations against Israel, paralleling previous Israeli strikes on Hodeida and Salif ports.
The escalation followed the interception of two projectiles launched from Yemen by the Iranian-backed Houthi group. The Houthis acknowledge launching two ballistic missiles toward Israel amid ongoing conflict linked to the Gaza hostilities since October 2023.
Since Hamas’s assault on Israel in late 2023 and the subsequent Gaza conflict, the Houthis have repeatedly launched missiles and drones targeting Israel. The Yemeni forces, supporting the Palestinian cause, paused their activities during a two-month Gaza ceasefire but resumed attacks after hostilities restarted in March 2025.
While most missiles have been intercepted, an early May missile strike approached Ben Gurion International Airport, severely disrupting international flights to Israel.
Israel has maintained a consistent retaliatory campaign against Houthi positions in Yemen, focusing on strategic locations such as ports and Sanaa airport—facilities reportedly used by the Houthis for terrorist operations.
The Israeli military affirmed that the recent airstrikes destroyed aircraft instrumental in transporting operatives involved in attacks against Israel.
"Similar to the strikes on Hodeida and Salif ports last week, the main airport of Sanaa remains under Houthi control and is utilized for terror purposes," an Israeli army spokesperson stated.
