Israeli forces conducted a series of strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen overnight from Sunday into Monday, July 7, 2025, marking the first such actions since a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran. The strikes targeted key Houthi-controlled ports and a power plant, as well as a previously seized cargo ship, the Galaxy Leader.
According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the operations, dubbed “Operation Black Flag” by Defense Minister Israel Katz, aimed at disrupting Houthi capabilities. The IDF stated that three ports – Hodeida, Ras Isa, and Salif – along with the Ras Kanatib power plant on the Red Sea, were struck. The IDF alleged that these ports are utilized by Houthi forces for the “transfer of weapons from the Iranian regime.” (ABC News, CNN)
A significant target in the strikes was the Galaxy Leader, a cargo ship that Houthi forces seized in November 2023, shortly after the conflict between Israel and Hamas escalated following the October 7, 2023, attacks. The IDF claimed that the Houthis had installed a radar system on the vessel and were using it to “track vessels in the international maritime arena to facilitate further terrorist activities.” The crew of the Galaxy Leader, held hostage since its seizure, was released in January 2025 as part of an earlier ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. (ABC News)
The Israeli strikes followed recent Houthi ballistic missile launches towards Israel, with at least three reported after the Israel-Iran ceasefire, including one intercepted on Saturday. Defense Minister Katz issued a stern warning, stating that the Houthis would “continue to pay a heavy price for their actions” and vowed more attacks if drone and ballistic missile launches persisted. (CNN)
In response to the Israeli actions, Houthi forces claimed they “effectively repelled” the attacks, asserting they used “a massive barrage of locally manufactured surface-to-air missiles.” Mohammed Al Farah, a Houthi political bureau member, condemned the targeting of Yemeni ports, power stations, and other “civilian facilities,” stating such actions were an attempt to harm civilians and had no connection to military activity. There were no immediate reports of casualties from the strikes. (CNN)
These developments unfold amidst a complex regional landscape. While Israel and Iran are under a fragile ceasefire following a 12-day conflict, Israel and Hamas are currently engaged in sensitive negotiations in Doha, Qatar, for a new ceasefire deal. This proposed deal aims to pause Israeli military action in the Gaza Strip and secure the release of some of the remaining 20 living hostages held by Hamas. Hamas has reportedly responded positively to the U.S.-brokered Israeli-backed proposal. (ABC News)
The timing of the strikes also coincides with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s scheduled meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday. Since the Israel-Hamas war began in October 2023, Israel has faced missile and rocket attacks from various groups, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, who claim solidarity with Palestinians. The Houthis have also consistently targeted commercial and military vessels in the Red Sea, prompting extensive U.S. strikes in March to degrade their military capabilities. (CNN)
