Israel Strikes Huthi Energy Site in Yemen: Escalation Amid Gaza War Tensions
Israel strikes Huthi energy site in Yemen near Sanaa, targeting Haziz power plant to disrupt Iran-backed rebels’ attacks. Escalation raises fears of regional spillover.
Israel Confirms Strike on Huthi Energy Infrastructure
Israel has confirmed that its military carried out an airstrike on an energy infrastructure site in Yemen used by the Huthi rebels. The targeted location, identified as the Haziz power plant south of Sanaa, was described as part of Israel’s broader strategy to curb the Huthis’ operational capacity.
Officials stated that the strike directly responded to repeated missile and drone attacks launched by the Iran-backed group in solidarity with Hamas during the ongoing Gaza war. According to Israel, the Huthi-controlled facility played a role in sustaining what it called the “Huthi terrorist regime.”
Disrupting Huthi Attack Capabilities
Military sources emphasized that the Israel strike on Huthi energy infrastructure in Yemen aimed to undermine the rebels’ ability to fire long-range weapons. Since October 2023, when the Gaza war broke out, the Huthis have continuously launched missiles and drones toward Israel.
Although most of these projectiles have been intercepted, Israel insists that preventive strikes are necessary to ensure national security. Officials further stressed that the Haziz site was chosen because of its strategic importance in maintaining rebel operations.
Huthis Confirm Attack but Report No Casualties
The Huthi-affiliated Al-Masirah TV, quoting local sources, confirmed the airstrike on the Haziz power plant. However, no casualties were reported. The attack represents one of the deepest Israeli strikes inside Yemen since the conflict escalated.
Observers note that Israel’s willingness to strike infrastructure far from its borders signals a determined approach to neutralizing threats before they materialize.
Escalation in Regional Maritime Conflict
The confrontation between Israel and the Huthis extends beyond missile attacks. In recent years, Huthi forces have targeted vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, claiming they were linked to Israeli interests.
In early 2024, the rebels expanded their maritime campaign, striking ships tied to the United States and Britain. This move came after Western coalitions launched operations to secure vital international shipping routes.
Despite a ceasefire agreement with Washington in May 2025, the Huthis vowed to continue targeting Israeli-affiliated vessels. Analysts argue that this persistent threat is a major driver behind Israel’s latest military response.
Strategic Importance of the Haziz Power Plant
Security experts highlight that the Haziz power plant south of Sanaa holds critical value for the Huthi movement. By striking the site, Israel likely intended to cripple both the rebels’ energy supply and their logistical networks.
This attack not only disrupts immediate rebel operations but also signals to Iran and its regional proxies that Israel is willing to escalate beyond traditional battle zones.
International Reactions and Growing Concerns
Global observers are increasingly worried about the spillover effects of the Israel-Huthi conflict. With tensions already high in Gaza, Lebanon, and the wider Middle East, further escalation risks destabilizing international shipping lanes and heightening humanitarian crises.
Diplomatic voices, including the United Nations, have urged restraint and renewed dialogue. However, analysts warn that the lack of trust between Israel and Iran-backed groups makes negotiations highly uncertain.
What This Means for Regional Security
The Israel strike on Huthi energy infrastructure in Yemen underscores the complex nature of Middle East conflicts, where multiple fronts overlap. The Gaza war continues to fuel wider hostilities, pulling in actors from across the region.
Unless diplomatic interventions succeed, military confrontations like Sunday’s strike are expected to persist. Israel’s leadership has made it clear that any threats from Yemen or elsewhere will be met with swift retaliation.
Conclusion
The latest Israeli strike on the Haziz power plant highlights the growing entanglement of conflicts in the Middle East. While Israel seeks to secure its borders and shipping routes, the Huthis appear determined to maintain their pressure campaign in support of Hamas.
As tensions escalate, the risk of broader instability looms large, making this a pivotal moment for international stakeholders seeking peace in the region.
