Context:

Israel launched airstrikes on Monday against Houthi rebels in Yemen, targeting ports and facilities used for transferring Iranian weapons, following a suspected Houthi attack on a Liberian-flagged ship in the Red Sea. The Israeli military stated these ports were utilized by the Houthis for terrorist operations against Israel and its allies. Despite the Houthi retaliation, Israel reported no casualties. Defense Minister Israel Katz warned of further strikes if Houthi aggression continued, stating that the Houthis would pay a heavy price. The confrontation occurs as President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu prepare for a White House meeting to discuss Gaza's future and the need to remove Hamas from the region.

Dive Deeper:

• Israel's airstrikes on Houthi-held ports in Yemen were a response to a suspected attack by the Houthis on a Liberian-flagged ship in the Red Sea, which involved explosives and small arms fire, forcing the crew to abandon the ship.

• The Israeli military justified the strikes by stating that the targeted ports were used by the Houthis to transfer weapons from Iran, which were then used for terrorist operations against Israel.

• The Houthis responded to the Israeli missiles, but their counterattack did not result in any Israeli casualties, according to reports.

• Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a stern warning about future strikes, emphasizing that any aggression against Israel would be met with severe consequences, equating Yemen's situation with that of Iran.

• Houthi military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree declared the group's readiness for a prolonged confrontation and their intention to maintain a naval blockade, highlighting tensions in the region.

• U.S. Army Gen. Michael Kurilla noted that Iranian support is crucial to the Houthis' capabilities, suggesting that without it, the Houthis' threat could diminish significantly.

• The timing of these events coincides with a scheduled meeting between President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu, where discussions are expected to focus on Gaza's future and the complete removal of Hamas from the area.