‘Those who seek to harm us will pay a very heavy price’

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivers a video statement (Photo: Screenshot/GPO)

Saturday evening, following the Israeli strike on the Houthi-controlled port city of Hodeida, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a statement in English about the attack, where he warned Israel’s enemies that Israel will defend itself. 

“All those who seek to harm us will pay a very heavy price for their aggression,” Netanyahu stated. 

 “From the beginning of the war, I made it clear that Israel will act against all those who attack us,” the premier said. “This is why earlier today; I asked the Israeli cabinet to back my decision to strike against the Houthi targets in Yemen.” 

Speaking to Israeli media, Netanyahu referenced the official name for the operation, called Operation Long Arm. 

The strike “makes it clear to our enemies that there is no place that the long arm of the state of Israel will not reach,” Netanyahu said. 

The name was announced by IDF spokesman Brig. Gen. Daniel Hagari in a statement in which Hagari revealed the safe return of all IAF planes after the attack in Hodeida. 

Hagari also announced that Israel had “strengthened the defense systems and we are prepared in all sectors.” 

Hagari called the Houthi drone attack which led to the strike on Hodeida “extremely serious.” 

“This is the first time that an Iranian drone has penetrated the country’s territory and killed an Israeli civilian. This is extremely serious, no matter where it would have happened in the country. It’s a cumulative reaction to everything that happened,” he stated. 

Hagari called on countries around the world who had been impacted by Houthi aggression “to stand on one front against the threat of terrorism from Yemen. This is a common international interest.”

Prime Minister Netanyahu also referred to Houthi aggression against the international community in his statement. 

“For over half a year, the Houthis have not only attacked Israel, they have also targeted the ships of dozens of countries traversing the Bab-el-Mandeb straights,” he commented. “This is a maritime corridor through which some 30% of the world’s maritime commerce flows.” 

Netanyahu called on the international community to be more active in protecting the straights. 

“The international community must redouble its efforts to protect this vital waterway and to hold both the Houthis and their Iranian sponsors accountable for their aggression.” 

Referring to “seven fronts” in which Israel is being attacked, Netanyahu said the entire world is being threatened by the Iranian Axis. 

“In defending ourselves against this Iranian terror axis, Israel stands on the front lines against a regime that threatens the entire Middle East, that threatens the entire world,” he stated. “That is why all those who seek a more secure and stable Middle East should fully support Israel’s actions against this terror axis —  in Yemen, in Gaza, in Lebanon and elsewhere.” 

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