![Houthis in Yemen.](https://images.jfeed.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=jpeg,fit=contain,width=900/2024/01/21/880684b0-b87f-11ee-8c05-7fe1aa7dfba1__h331_w650.jpg)
Hezbollah-affiliated Lebanese newspaper reports Houthis plan to attack Israeli oil rigs and power stations, according to Ynet news reports.
According to a report from Al-Akhbar, known for its alignment with Hezbollah, the Yemeni Houthi group is preparing to increase attacks against Israel. Their retaliation is purportedly in response to Israel's strike on the port of Hodeidah.
The Houthis, as per "sources," aim to target Israeli gas rigs, energy facilities, and vessels in the Red Sea. The report suggests these operations will involve collaboration with various other militant factions aligned with their cause.
Under the Houthi leader's declared "fifth phase" of escalation, the plan includes surprise attacks in new areas and an increased focus on Israeli ships and affiliated targets. They are reportedly set to deploy new, advanced, long-range weaponry to evade interception. Targets mentioned are the Leviathan and Tamar gas rigs, another field in the Dead Sea, power stations, and Israeli oil tanks. Additionally, there is concern over potential threats to oil supplies from Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan via the Mediterranean Sea.
Despite numerous claims by the Houthis regarding actions against Israel, the IDF asserts that the successful drone attack in Tel Aviv was a rare instance among approximately 220 launches. Conversely, international efforts, including those by the American-British coalition, have struggled to mitigate Houthi disruptions in the Red Sea, impacting trade and causing losses at Eilat's port.
Meanwhile, Yemeni authorities report that despite the Israeli attack, the port of Hodeidah continues to operate normally, ensuring the uninterrupted flow of essential supplies.
The UN Security Council convened to address the situation in Yemen, prompted by the Tel Aviv drone strike. Israel's Deputy Ambassador to the UN condemned Iran, attributing the Houthis' actions to Iranian influence and emphasizing Israel's stance against regional threats. The U.S. Ambassador underscored Iran's role in supplying the drone used in the attack, condemning Houthi actions as a broader international threat.
In summary, tensions escalate as the Houthis plan further attacks on Israeli infrastructure, drawing international attention and concern over regional stability and security.