‘Those who seek to harm us will pay a very heavy price’ – Netanyahu warns enemies following IDF strike on Houthi targets in Yemen

Following the Israeli strike on the Houthi-controlled port city of Hodeidah in Yemen on Saturday evening, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement warning Israel’s enemies that they would pay "a very heavy price."

“All those who seek to harm us will pay a very heavy price for their aggression,” the prime minister said. "From the beginning of the war, I made it clear that Israel will act against all those who attack us. This is why earlier today; I asked the Israeli Cabinet to back my decision to strike against the Houthi targets in Yemen.” 

The strike “makes it clear to our enemies that there is no place that the long arm of the state of Israel will not reach,” he added said. 

When speaking to Israeli media, Netanyahu referred to the operation as "Operation Long Arm," a name announced by IDF Spokesman Brig.-Gen. Daniel Hagari. Hagari called the Houthi drone attack which led to the strike on Hodeida as “extremely serious” and revealed in a statement that Israeli Air Force (IAF) aircraft had all been safely returned after striking Hodeidah.

Hagari announced Israel had “strengthened the defense systems and we are prepared in all sectors.” 

“This is the first time that an Iranian drone has penetrated the country's territory and killed an Israeli civilian. This is extremely serious, no matter where it would have happened in the country. It's a cumulative reaction to everything that happened,” he stated. 

Hagari called on the nations worldwide who have been impacted by Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea “to stand on one front against the threat of terrorism from Yemen. This is a common international interest.”

Netanyahu also noted the ongoing Houthi threat in his statement. 

“For over half a year, the Houthis have not only attacked Israel, they have also targeted the ships of dozens of countries traversing the Bab-el-Mandeb straits,” he said. “This is a maritime corridor through which some 30% of the world’s maritime commerce flows.” 

“The international community must redouble its efforts to protect this vital waterway and to hold both the Houthis and their Iranian sponsors accountable for their aggression.” 

Netanyahu stated that Israel is currently facing attacks on seven fronts and warned that the entire world is under threat from the Iranian Axis.

“In defending ourselves against this Iranian terror axis, Israel stands on the front lines against a regime that threatens the entire Middle East, that threatens the entire world,” he stated. “That is why all those who seek a more secure and stable Middle East should fully support Israel's actions against this terror axis – in Yemen, in Gaza, in Lebanon and elsewhere.”