Israeli navy attacks rebel-held Yemeni port city of Hodeida, a first in the conflict
Associated Press3 days
Israeli Navy Strikes Yemen Port, Threatens Houthi Blockade
Above: A child plays as fishermen sit in boats near the Red Sea shore in the Khokha district on the southern edge of Yemen's western Red Sea city of Hodeida on May 16, 2025 Image copyright: Khaled Ziad/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-Israel narrative
This strike, executed with precision by Sa'ar 6 missile boats, shows Israel isn't just an air force power. By targeting critical pier infrastructure over 1,000 miles away, Israel disrupted Iranian-backed Houthi weapon transfers, weakening their ability to threaten Red Sea shipping and regional stability. This unprecedented operation sends a clear message — Israel will decisively counter Iranian proxies from all angles.
Anti-Israel narrative
Israel's continual strikes on Yemen fuel war profiteering and geopolitical games, not peace. The $14.8 billion arms sales boom, with 12% going to Gulf states, shows that the conflict drives business. While the Houthis will never defeat their aggressive neighbor, Israel's aggression risks a wider war with Iran, destabilizing the region. This cycle of violence, cloaked in "security," prioritizes power over legitimacy, alienating global opinion and deepening tensions.
Metaculus Prediction
Limited Coverage
This story currently has limited reporting from anti-Israel and establishment-critical sources. We will continue to monitor all major outlets and update our coverage as additional perspectives become available.