Israel has launched a series of airstrikes on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, marking one of its most significant cross-border operations since the escalation of hostilities in Gaza and the Red Sea. The strikes come amid rising tensions across the Middle East, with Yemen’s Houthi movement openly aligning itself with regional actors opposed to Israel.
When and Where the Strikes Occurred
The airstrikes began late on August 24, 2025 and continued into the early hours of August 25.
Reports from Houthi-controlled health authorities confirm:
- Targets: Areas near the presidential complex, a fuel facility in Asar, and the Hizaz power plant in Sana’a.
- Casualties: At least six people killed and over 80 injured.
- Damage: Strikes caused power outages and infrastructure damage in a city already suffering from years of conflict.
Why Israel Carried Out the Strikes
Israel’s government stated the strikes were retaliation for a missile attack launched by Yemen’s Houthi movement days earlier. The missile, reportedly equipped with cluster munitions, was intercepted before reaching Israeli territory.
The Houthis, supported by Iran, have repeatedly:
- Fired drones and missiles toward Israel
- Targeted commercial shipping in the Red Sea
- Claimed their actions are in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza
This latest operation signals that Israel is prepared to expand its military reach beyond Gaza and Lebanon to deter future Houthi attacks.
The Regional Context: Gaza and the Red Sea
The strikes cannot be separated from the ongoing Gaza conflict, where Israeli operations have led to widespread civilian casualties and humanitarian crises.
Meanwhile, the Red Sea shipping corridor has become a flashpoint as Houthi attacks on international vessels disrupt global trade. Israel’s move to strike targets deep in Yemen may escalate tensions, raising fears of a multi-front conflict involving:
- Iranian-backed forces in Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen
- Continued hostilities in Gaza
- U.S. and international naval deployments in the Red Sea
Legal Questions and Accountability
The legality of Israel’s Yemen operation will be debated under international law:
- Self-Defense (UN Charter Article 51): Israel argues the strike was a defensive measure following an armed attack.
- Proportionality and Distinction: International Humanitarian Law requires that strikes avoid excessive civilian harm and clearly identify military targets.
- Ongoing Legal Proceedings:
- The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is already hearing a case accusing Israel of violating the Genocide Convention over its Gaza operations.
- The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli and Hamas leaders. If evidence emerges of unlawful attacks in Yemen, similar scrutiny could follow.
Enforcement of these laws remains politically complex, as Israel is not a party to the Rome Statute of the ICC.
Implications for Israel and Yemen
This strike reflects Israel’s increasingly proactive military posture in the region, aiming to deter threats across multiple fronts. For Yemen, already suffering from a decade-long civil war, famine, and a collapsed economy, the strikes risk worsening instability and humanitarian suffering.
With its actions in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and now Yemen, Israel faces growing calls for international accountability. The risk of further regional escalation remains high.
