Israel conducted its most extensive air operation against Yemen’s Houthi forces on Thursday, which marked a major increase in regional hostilities. The strike came just hours after a Houthi drone attack in Eilat wounded 22 civilians, pushing Israeli leadership to retaliate with overwhelming force.
The airstrike, codenamed Operation Moving Package, targeted seven pivotal military sites in Sanaa, Yemen’s capital.
It is the largest operation Israel has launched against the country, involving nearly 20 fighter jets deployed to destroy headquarters, weapons stores, and intelligence compounds linked to Houthi operations against Israel.
What Triggered Israel’s Massive Airstrike on Yemen?
The immediate catalyst for the strike was a Houthi drone attack that detonated near a crowded shopping area in Eilat, Israel’s southern resort city.
The incident left 22 injured, two in serious condition due to shrapnel injuries, and exposed vulnerabilities in Israel’s renowned air defense system, the Iron Dome, when attempts to intercept failed.
Israeli officials, including Defense Minister Israel Katz, cited the drone’s successful penetration and civilian injuries as the justification for the size and urgency of the retaliatory operation.
The military worked quickly to identify and prosecute those responsible, confirming that the action aimed to neutralize future threats from Yemen-based militants.
Did you know?
Since October 2023, the Houthis have launched over 150 drones and numerous ballistic missiles at Israel, making them one of the region’s most persistent external threats.
How Did the Houthi Drone Evade Israeli Defense Systems?
The Iron Dome missile defense, celebrated for its high interception rate, was unable to stop the Houthi drone.
Military sources acknowledged that they detected the drone late in its flight path, leading to two unsuccessful attempts at interception.
Technical reviews followed swiftly, and corrective measures were introduced to address similar vulnerabilities.
The speed and trajectory of the incoming drone temporarily overwhelmed the Iron Dome's radar systems, according to Israel's investigation.
Despite having intercepted more than 98% of attacks since October 2023, this lapse highlights ongoing challenges in defending against evolving drone threats.
Which Sites Were Targeted in Sanaa, and Why?
Israeli warplanes focused their strikes on sites deemed critical to Houthi military capabilities. The seven targets included the General Staff headquarters, weapons storage facilities, and intelligence compounds believed to be central to planning attacks on Israel.
Most facilities were located in high-security zones of the capital. The selection of targets aimed to disrupt command operations and degrade the Houthis’ ability to launch future drone and missile campaigns.
Analysts noted that timing the attacks with Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi's weekly broadcast added a calculated political message.
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What Are the Human and Strategic Consequences?
While Israeli officials claimed their operation killed dozens of Houthi militants and destroyed vital weapon stores, Houthi sources reported at least eight civilian deaths and 142 wounded.
Rescue teams continue searching for survivors under collapsed buildings in Sanaa, and casualties may rise.
This devastating strike underscores the mounting humanitarian costs in Yemen, fueling debates over proportionality and civilian protection amid military campaigns.
International agencies have voiced concern about the escalation and the risk of drawing more actors into confrontation.
How Could This Operation Change Regional Conflict Dynamics?
Operation Moving Package follows 19 previous Israeli strikes on Yemen since the Gaza war began, but it represents a steep escalation in military intensity and range.
Israeli jets covered over 2,200 kilometers, relying on in-flight refueling to reach their targets, demonstrating new logistical and tactical capabilities in long-range conflict.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu personally authorized the operation while en route to New York, signaling Israel’s intent to respond swiftly and decisively to threats.
With more than 150 Houthi drones and dozens of missiles launched at Israel, experts warn this latest strike could reshape conflict patterns across the region, prompting further military and diplomatic responses.
Israel’s decision to escalate airstrikes against Yemen will test both its tactical efficiency and international support.
As cross-border technology and missile warfare evolve, neighboring countries and global powers must weigh the impact of retaliatory measures on regional stability and humanitarian outcomes.
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