On May 11, 2025, Israel called for the immediate evacuation of the Yemeni ports of Ras Isa, Hodeida, and Salif. This followed a series of strikes on Yemeni infrastructure, including Sana'a airport, in response to recent Houthi missile attacks targeting Israeli territory.
An Israeli military spokesperson announced that the evacuation order was prompted by the Houthi regime's use of these ports for terrorist activities. Defense Minister Israel Katz vowed a strong response to the Houthi missile launch intercepted on Friday, May 9, 2025.
These events are part of an ongoing exchange, with the Houthis launching missiles at Israel in solidarity with Palestinians. Israel has conducted retaliatory airstrikes on Houthi targets, including Sana'a International Airport and the port of Al Hudeida.
The IDF has issued an “urgent” evacuation warning for three Houthi-controlled ports in Yemen, ahead of potential Israeli strikes. In a post on X, the IDF's Arabic-language spokesman Col. Avichay Adraee warns those at the Ras Isa, Hodeidah, and Salif ports on the western coast to evacuate.
The Houthis have been targeting Israel since November 2023, and have stated they will cease attacks if Israel ends military operations and the blockade of Gaza.
The Israeli military is planning to expand strikes in Yemen and potentially target certain locations inside Iran, according to Israeli media.
The Houthis have launched repeated attacks on Israel and on Red Sea shipping since shortly after the October 2023 war began between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
The United States, which launched a bombing campaign in response to Houthi threats to renew their attacks on shipping, reached a ceasefire agreement with the rebels on Tuesday. But the Houthis vowed to continue targeting Israel and Israeli ships, saying that their deal with Washington did not include Israel.