Published: 12:36, September 17, 2025 | Updated: 13:24, September 17, 2025
Yemen's Houthis claim attacks at Israel's Tel Aviv, airport
By Xinhua
Houthi fighters march during a rally of support for the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and against US strikes on Yemen outside Sanaa on Jan 22, 2024. (PHOTO / AP)

SANAA - Yemen's Houthi group said in a statement on Tuesday that it launched attacks at Tel Aviv and the Ramon Airport in Eilat after Israel conducted airstrikes on the group-held port city of Hodeidah earlier in the day.

Yahya Sarea, the Houthi military spokesman, said a ballistic missile targeted a "sensitive site" in southern Tel Aviv, and a drone targeted the Ramon Airport in Eilat.

He said in the statement aired by Houthi-run al-Masirah TV that the attacks were in response to the "Israeli military escalation" in Gaza, and to the "Israeli aggression" on Yemen.

READ MORE: Yemen's Houthis claim 'hypersonic missile' attack on Israel

Meanwhile, the Israeli military said in a statement early this evening that a missile fired from Yemen triggered air sirens across southern Israel and was intercepted. No casualties or damage were reported.

The Houthi attack came a few hours after the Israeli military said it struck Hodeidah port in western Yemen, targeting what it described as a "Houthi military infrastructure."

The Israeli airstrikes against Hodeidah port were the latest in a series of attacks targeting the port city.

The Houthi television said the airstrikes on Hodeidah wounded several workers and destroyed facilities.

The Israeli military said it targeted a Houthi-controlled infrastructure site at Hodeidah port. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said the Air Force carried out the strike as part of Operation "Watcher from Above," aimed at ensuring the continuation of the naval and aerial blockade against the Houthis.

"The Houthi terrorist organization will continue to be struck and will pay painful prices for any attempt to attack the State of Israel," Katz said.

READ MORE: Yemen's Houthis vow to retaliate after Israeli airstrikes kill 7

Hours before the attack, it issued a warning urging civilians and ships in the area to evacuate. Military spokesman Avichay Adraee shared a map marking the target area in red and said anyone remaining there risked their life.

The Houthis, who control much of northern Yemen, have escalated drone and missile attacks after Israel killed senior Houthi leaders in a strike on Sanaa.

Houthi forces have repeatedly targeted Israel since November 2023, citing support for Palestinians during Israel's conflict in Gaza. Israel has responded with airstrikes on Houthi-held areas, including the Red Sea port of Hodeidah.