“The fire that burns in Hodeidah can be seen throughout the region (we will attack) wherever necessary,” Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said in a clear reference to Iran.

However, Yahya Saree, spokesman for the Houthi rebels, reaffirmed that they will continue their actions as long as Benjamin Netanyahu’s government does not withdraw its troops from the Palestinian coastal Gaza strip while promising a harsh response.

“We are preparing for a long war against the Zionists (Israel), until the aggression against Gaza ceases and the siege is lifted,” Saree, who again threatened attacks against the city of Tel Aviv asserted.

About 25 F-35s and F-15s were involved in yesterday’s raid on at least 10 targets in Hodeidahn, including a refinery, warehouses and a power station, in retaliation for the previous day’s drone strike by the armed group on a building in Tel Aviv, which killed one person and wounded 10.

According to Houthi sources, as the insurgent movement is known, at least three people were killed and 87 wounded in the raid on Hodeibahb.

Channels showed images of long columns of smoke due to the explosion of several fuel storage tanks in the town.

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman Daniel Hagari confirmed the attack, saying it was aimed at ‘military targets’.

The Israeli news website Walla reported that the United States and the United Kingdom were involved in the operation, although in statements to The New York Times an official source in Washington denied this information.

Almost simultaneously, the IDF launched extensive bombardments against southern Lebanon, in the midst of an exchange of blows between Israel and the Hezbullah militia, which has already lasted more than nine months.

Hezbullah condemned the attack on Yemen and also promised to continue its support for the Palestinians.

mh/abo/mem/rob