Netanyahu Vows Forceful Action Against Iran-Backed Houthis After Missile Strike on Tel Aviv

Dec 22, 2024, 04:03 PM

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that Israel will act forcefully against the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, likening the approach to its actions against other terrorist arms of Iran's axis of evil. Netanyahu's statement comes a day after a missile fired from Yemen struck the Tel Aviv area, causing mild injuries. He emphasized that Israel's response to the Houthis would be similar to its actions against other terror organizations, and called on Israelis to remain patient and resilient. Netanyahu also noted that the United States and other countries view the Houthis as a threat to international shipping and the global order. The Houthis have been launching attacks on international shipping in waters near Yemen since November 2023 in support of the Palestinians amidst Israel's ongoing conflict with Hamas. Additionally, the US military conducted precision airstrikes against Houthi missile storage and command-and-control facilities in Yemen's capital, Sanaa, while Israeli jets have launched strikes against energy and port infrastructure in Yemen. Netanyahu highlighted Israel's strengthened position at home due to its military campaigns against Iran-backed Hezbollah forces in southern Lebanon and the destruction of most of the Syrian army's strategic weapons.