Israel warns civilians to evacuate Yemen ports after intercepted missile

Jerusalem, Israel — Israel has issued evacuation alerts for three key Yemen ports —Ras Isa, Hodeidah, and Salif—following the interception of a missile launched from Yemen.

The warning was delivered late Sunday by Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Arabic spokesperson Avichay Adraee, directing all civilians to leave the port areas immediately.

The alerts come in the wake of a ceasefire agreement negotiated between the United States and Yemen’s Houthi rebels.The agreement notably excludes Israel, prompting officials in Tel Aviv to announce that the country would defend its interests independently if necessary.

Yemen ports targeted after Israel pledges independent action

Israel stated that its exclusion from the truce puts its national security at risk. Defense Minister Israel Katz affirmed that Israel “must be able to defend itself by itself against any threat and any enemy,” referencing longstanding policy on national defense autonomy.

Two days before the warning, the IDF said it intercepted a missile from Yemen aimed at Israel. Although the U.S. ceasefire aimed to reduce regional tensions, the Houthis responded by reiterating their intention to continue launching attacks against Israel in support of Palestinians in Gaza.

This latest warning marks the second time in a week that Israel has identified strategic areas as potential military targets.

On Tuesday, the IDF issued a similar warning and conducted an airstrike that disabled Yemen’s international airport in Sana’a.

Strategic implications for shipping and humanitarian access via Yemen ports

The ports of Ras Isa, Hodeidah, and Salif are vital entry points for fuel imports, humanitarian aid, and cargo deliveries to Yemen.

Military activity around these ports risks disrupting trade routes through the Red Sea, which could affect regional commerce and worsen Yemen’s humanitarian crisis.

Also Read: Yemen Says Israeli Airstrikes Caused $500m Damage to Sanaa Airport

Israel’s latest move signals that it may carry out further pre-emptive military operations if hostile activity from Houthi-controlled areas continues.