On Monday, May 5, the Israeli military launched airstrikes on Yemen’s Hodeidah Port, following a missile attack by the Iran-backed Houthi group that landed near Israel’s main airport the day before. According to the Israeli military, the operation targeted Houthi “terrorist sites” in and around Hodeidah.

The Houthi-run Saba news agency, citing the Yemeni health ministry, reported at least one person killed and 35 injured in the strikes. In response, the Houthis sealed off areas near the port and a nearby cement factory. While the full extent of damage is still unclear, multiple sources claimed that about 70% of the port's infrastructure—including docks, warehouses, and customs facilities—was affected. The strikes also disrupted port operations, halting all activity as two ships were unloading.

Hodeidah is Yemen’s second-largest Red Sea port and handles roughly 80% of the country’s food imports. Residents told Reuters that more than ten airstrikes hit the port and nearby neighborhoods, with additional strikes on an eastern cement plant. Israel stated the strikes were in retaliation for repeated Houthi missile and drone attacks targeting Israeli territory and civilians. Sunday’s missile strike marked the first time a Houthi projectile bypassed Israel’s air defense systems since such attacks began in March. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed a strong response.

A senior Houthi official warned Israel of "unimaginable" consequences in response. The Houthis resumed their attacks on Israel and shipping lanes after a short pause, which followed the end of a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel in Gaza. The group claims its actions support Palestinians. A U.S. official noted that American forces were not directly involved in the strikes but confirmed coordination with Israel. Separately, a Houthi-run oil company said it had activated an emergency fuel supply system due to difficulties at the Ras Isa oil port, which it blamed on U.S. airstrikes.

Earlier in March, U.S. forces, under orders from President Trump, carried out large-scale strikes on Houthi targets, resulting in hundreds of deaths. In contrast, Israel had scaled back its operations in Yemen since December. On the same day, Israel also approved a plan that could involve taking control of the Gaza Strip and regulating aid into the region. The conflict in Gaza began after Hamas-led attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Israel’s counteroffensive has since killed over 52,000 Palestinians and devastated large parts of Gaza, according to health officials there.