In a dramatic and unprecedented move, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approved major airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen while flying to the United States aboard the “Wing of Zion” aircraft. According to the PM’s office, Netanyahu received critical operational updates and gave the final go-ahead for "Operation Black Flag" while en route to Washington for a high-stakes meeting with Donald Trump. The operation was launched in response to continuous missile attacks by the Iran-backed Houthis on Israel. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed that the strikes, involving 20 fighter jets, targeted key Houthi infrastructure, ports in Hudaydah, and the Galaxy Leader ship, which was seized by the Houthis in 2023. The coordinated attack is being described as a major blow to the Houthi rebels. The Houthis have responded swiftly and fiercely. While their media outlets confirmed the Israeli strikes, they retaliated by launching a massive wave of missiles towards Israel, triggering air defense systems across the country. In a claim that has created serious panic, RT News reported that at least one of the Houthi missiles successfully hit its target inside Israel. This sudden escalation opens a dangerous new front in the Middle East, coming only weeks after a fragile ceasefire was established between Israel and Iran. With Israel now engaged in a direct, full-blown conflict with the Houthis in Yemen, the entire region is on high alert for what happens next.
