Israel Strikes Yemen, Lebanon Amid Regional Tensions

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched airstrikes on Houthi-held ports and facilities in Yemen, including Hodeida, Ras Isa, Salif, and the Ras Kanatib power plant, in response to repeated Houthi attacks on Israel and allied shipping in the Red Sea. Among the targets was the Galaxy Leader, a commercial vessel seized by the Houthis in November 2023 and reportedly used for hostile surveillance. The Houthis retaliated by firing a missile at Israel, though no injuries were reported. The Israeli military alleges these Yemeni ports facilitate the transfer of Iranian weapons to the Houthis for attacks against Israel. Simultaneously, the IDF continued airstrikes on Hezbollah sites in southern and eastern Lebanon, citing violations of agreements between Israel and Lebanon. These strikes occur amid heightened regional tensions and ongoing ceasefire negotiations involving Hamas in Gaza.