Israeli warplanes launched airstrikes on Sana’a International Airport in Yemen early Wednesday, signaling an escalation in the confrontation with the Iran-backed Houthi movement. The strike, confirmed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, follows ongoing Houthi attacks on regional shipping and repeated missile and drone launches aimed at Israel.

Netanyahu stated that Israel would retaliate forcefully against any entity that threatens its security. “Whoever harms us, we harm them,” he said in a statement. “The Houthis are only a symptom. The main driving force behind them is Iran, which is responsible for the aggression emanating from Yemen.”

The Israel Defense Forces reported that the targeted airport and aircraft were being used by the Houthis to transport operatives involved in planning attacks against Israel. The military emphasized that it would continue targeting threats no matter the distance, reaffirming its commitment to protect Israeli citizens.

This marks at least the second time this month that Israeli forces have struck the airport in Sana’a. Similar attacks occurred in December 2024, as the IDF continues to respond to cross-border hostilities linked to the ongoing conflict with Hamas.

Yemenia Airlines condemned the attack, revealing that one of its civilian planes was struck just moments before boarding pilgrims. The airline said it had secured all necessary flight permissions and announced a temporary suspension of its operations from Sana’a airport. Describing the strike as a “cowardly terrorist act,” the airline underscored its non-involvement in any military conflict.