The Israeli attack in Yemen against the Houthis provokes widespread reactions from various parties. The IDF spokesman, Brigadier General Daniel Hagari, provided comprehensive details about the operation:
“Our pilots landed safely a few minutes ago after the widespread attack in Yemen. This is a complex attack carried out by the Israeli Air Force, tonight the IDF attacked alone. Israel expects the countries of the world to stand on one front – this is a common international interest. There is no change in the instructions of the Home Front Command. Our pilots attacked the port of Hodeidah, a supply route for the transfer of Iranian weapons. We also attacked energy infrastructures, this is a complex attack that required planning and preparation for a variety of threats. We have no intention of attacking the Yemeni people. The Houthis, directed by Iran, attacked dozens of ships, their terrorism is controlled by Iran and it harms the Suez Canal and world trade.
Regarding the preparation for a possible response, Hagari stated:
“We have mobilized the defense formations, and we are prepared in all sectors. The defense is not hermetic, and the directives of the Home Front Command must be obeyed.”
Hagari added: “The name of the operation is ‘Long Hand’. The message is that Israel will know how to operate from a distance.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:
“From the beginning of the war, I made it clear that Israel would harm anyone who harms us. And so, earlier today, I convened the cabinet. The port we attacked is not an innocent port. It was used for military purposes as an entry point for deadly weapons supplied by Iran.
They used this weapon to attack Israel, the countries of the region, an international shipping route, one of the most important in the world. This operation hit targets 1,800 km from our borders.
The attack came in direct response to the drone attack in which an Israeli citizen was killed and other civilians were injured, it also followed the aggression of the Houthis against the State of Israel since the beginning of the war.
For the past eight months, the Houthis have launched hundreds of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones against Israel. All this was successfully intercepted by the Israeli defense systems, with the help of our friend the United States and also with the help of other countries. I want to thank them.
Like Hamas and Hezbollah, the Houthis are an integral part of Iran’s axis of evil. This axis works not only against Israel, it threatens the peace of the entire world. Anyone who wishes to see a stable and safe Middle East should stand against Iran’s axis of evil, and support Israel’s struggle against Iran and its metastases: both in Yemen, both in Gaza, and in Lebanon, everywhere.
Foreign Minister Israel Katz responded:
“The State of Israel and the Air Force planes today landed a heavy blow on Iran’s terrorist branch in Yemen. Iran supports, trains and finances the Houthi terrorist organization as part of the regional array of terrorist organizations that it operates in the region to attack the State of Israel. We will not remain silent, and we will be harmed in every Those who pose a threat to our citizens. It’s time for the international community to increase the sanctions to the maximum on Iran – in which the Houthis are seriously harming the freedom of navigation and trade routes. Iran is the head of the snake – we must stop it now.”
A speaker at the National Security Council at the White House said:
“We recognize Israel’s right to defend itself. The US was not involved in today’s attack and we did not coordinate or assist the attacks”
The chairman of the state camp, Benny Gantz, responded:
“The important message from today’s important and justified attack in Yemen – we establish alliances and cooperate with our friends. At the same time, we are always willing to do the work to protect the citizens of Israel ourselves. It was the same in the past, it will be the same in the future. Against anyone who harms us – in any arena ”
Interior Minister Moshe Arbel: “The quick response to the murderous attack from Yemen on Tel Aviv-Jaffa within a day is exactly what is required even when the attack is on Metula, Eilat Hashar, Kiryat Shmona and Metta Asher.” One law for all our settlements. There is no place for preferring Tel Aviv over any other settlement in Israel.”
A senior Israeli official commented on the long-term consequences of the attack:
“Israel understands that, following the attack, an active front will be opened against the Houthis that will lead to a chain of reactions, and is ready for it. In the alternative between an exchange of blows and panic in front of the Shia axis and loss of deterrence – a better reaction”
