The Israeli airstrike on Sanaa International Airport marks a significant escalation in the ongoing regional tensions between Israel and the Iran-aligned Houthi movement in Yemen. The Israeli military claims the airport and surrounding infrastructure were being used by the Houthis to facilitate the transfer of weapons and personnel, prompting what it described as “preemptive” and retaliatory action.
This latest wave of airstrikes, which included the targeting of civilian aircraft, power stations, and cement factories, follows a missile attack by the Houthis on Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. Although that missile did not cause major destruction, it heightened fears of a wider regional conflict. The Houthis’ threat to impose an aerial blockade on Israel is especially provocative, indicating their intention to continue striking critical infrastructure in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian implications are severe. The Hudaydah Port—vital for Yemen’s food supply—has been targeted multiple times, raising concerns about worsening the dire situation in a country already facing widespread famine. Civilian casualties and the destruction of dual-use infrastructure also raise questions about proportionality and compliance with international law.