What Is 05 May 2025 Israeli attack on Yemen

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Last updated: April 12, 2026

Quick Answer: On May 5, 2025, Israel launched over 30 aircraft in a strike against Houthi targets in Yemen using approximately 50 munitions in response to a Houthi ballistic missile attack on Ben Gurion Airport on May 4. The strikes targeted nine locations including the al-Imran cement factory in Hodeidah, resulting in 4 deaths and 42 injuries, and marked the resumption of Israeli military operations against Yemen after months of relative quiet.

Key Facts

May 4, 2025: Houthi ballistic missile hit near Ben Gurion Airport, causing flight cancellations and triggering air raid sirens across central Israel
May 5, 2025: Over 30 Israeli Air Force aircraft struck 9 Houthi targets with approximately 50 munitions
Al-Imran cement factory east of Hodeidah was bombed, with 4 confirmed deaths and 42 reported injuries
May 6, 2025: Sanaa International Airport was attacked and damaged, with the runway struck and civilian aircraft destroyed
Series of follow-up strikes in May targeted ports at Hodeidah, Salif, and Ras Isa; Sanaa airport was bombed again on May 28

The May 4 Trigger Attack

On May 4, 2025, Houthi forces launched a ballistic missile attack against Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv, Israel's primary international airport. The missile successfully penetrated Israeli air defenses and impacted near the airport, causing significant disruption to civilian operations.

The attack triggered air raid sirens across central Israel and prompted the immediate cancellation of numerous flights. This marked an escalation in Houthi attacks and directly precipitated Israel's swift military response the following day.

The May 5 Israeli Response

Scale and Targets

On May 5, 2025, Israel launched a major retaliatory operation involving more than 30 Israeli Air Force aircraft. The strike wave deployed approximately 50 munitions against nine separate Houthi targets across Yemen.

The primary target was the al-Imran cement factory located east of Hodeidah, a major industrial facility in Houthi-controlled territory. Additional targets included various military and infrastructure sites critical to Houthi operations.

Casualties and Damage

4 confirmed deaths reported by Houthi-linked media
42 individuals injured in the strikes
Significant damage to civilian infrastructure in Hodeidah region
Structural damage to multiple industrial facilities
Economic disruption to port and commercial operations

Follow-up Operations in May

Timeline of Subsequent Strikes

May 6: Sanaa International Airport targeted; runway struck and civilian aircraft destroyed
May 11: Strikes on Ras Isa, Hodeidah, and Salif ports after civilian evacuation orders
May 16: 15 Israeli fighter jets bombed Hodeidah and Salif ports with 30 munitions
May 28: Sanaa International Airport bombed again; Yemenia's final aircraft destroyed

Strategic Objectives

Israel claimed the strikes targeted Houthi weapons transfer infrastructure and military capabilities. The ports of Hodeidah and Salif were repeatedly attacked, with Israeli officials stating these facilities were used for smuggling weapons to Houthi forces.

The targeting of Sanaa International Airport aimed to degrade Houthi logistics and transport capabilities. The destruction of civilian aircraft was justified by Israeli claims the planes were being utilized for military purposes.

Broader Context and Significance

Aspect	Details	Impact
Trigger	Houthi missile strike on Ben Gurion Airport	First direct attack on Israel's main airport; escalation
Response Scale	30+ aircraft, 50 munitions, 9 targets	Largest operation in months; demonstrates Israeli capability
Focus	Infrastructure, ports, airports	Disrupts Houthi logistics and operational capacity

The May 5 attack represented Israel's first major operation against Yemen in several months, signaling renewed military engagement. The strikes were part of broader regional tensions and the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict dynamics.

The Houthis, designated as a terrorist organization by multiple countries, responded to the strikes by reiterating their support for Palestinian causes and vowing to continue their military operations. International observers noted the strikes risked further escalation in the already volatile region.