Houthis vow to continue naval blockade on Israel despite US attacks

CAIRO – 2 May 2025: The Houthis on Friday pledged to persist with their “naval blockade” on Israeli vessels in both the Red and Arabian Seas amidst ongoing US attacks on Yemen that began in mid-March.

“The American enemy, with its military might and brutal aggression, has failed to break this blockade,” Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree declared in a televised speech on Friday.

Today, the Houthis announced they targeted a “vital” Israeli site in Haifa as well as the Ramat David Air Base near the city using two hypersonic ballistic missiles in successive operations.

Saree asserted that the missile aimed at the air base “successfully reached its target” and that Israeli defenses “failed to intercept it.” The other missile, he said, also “reached its target … forcing millions of settlers to flee into shelters.”

The Israeli military claims it intercepted the first missile, which was fired early in the morning, but could not confirm the downing of the second missile at the time of this report, despite launching interceptor missiles against it.

Sirens were triggered in Haifa and across northern Israel around 5:30 AM and 1:30 PM, respectively, due to the missile launches.

According to the Israeli military, debris from the first missile penetrated the roof of a kindergarten, causing damage.

A 40-year-old woman was reportedly injured after falling while seeking shelter.

Since the onset of the Israeli war in Gaza, which has killed over 52,000 Palestinians since October 2023, the Houthis have targeted Israeli-linked ships across the Red Sea and launched hundreds of missiles and drones at Israeli territory.

Scores of Yemenis have been killed in the intensive US strikes since March 15, with President Donald Trump vowing to continue attacks on the Houthis until they cease targeting navigation.

The Houthis halted attacks on navigation during a ceasefire in Gaza, which took effect on January 19 but was broken two months later by Israel.

They have vowed to maintain their attacks on Israel until the war in Gaza ends and the Israeli blockade on Palestinians is lifted.

The Houthis have pledged to “meet escalation with escalation” amid the US attacks.