Netanyahu points to Israel’s July strike on Hodeida, threatening Houthis after missile attack

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issues a threat to Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis after a ballistic missile is launched from Yemen at central Israel.

“The Houthis should have known by now that we exact a heavy price for any attempt to harm us,” he says at the beginning of the weekly cabinet meeting. “Those who need a reminder are welcome to visit the port of Hodeida.”

Israel launched an attack on the main harbor controlled by the Houthis on July 20 after a drone launched by the group struck Tel Aviv, killing a man and injuring four others.

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree claimed responsibility for this morning’s ballistic missile attack.

“Anyone who attacks us will not escape our reach,” says Netanyahu. “Hamas is already learning this” he adds, vowing that the Gazan terror group will be destroyed and will free the hostages it holds.

Answering angry calls from residents of northern Israel over the deteriorating security situation there as Hezbollah carries out daily attacks, Netanyahu insists that “the status quo will not continue.”

He calls for a “change in the balance of power” along the border, and pledges to do “everything necessary” to allow Israelis from the north region to return to their homes.

Amid a widespread protest movement that takes to the streets to denounce his handling of the war, Netanyahu calls for unity, saying that victory will come “as a united nation that stood up against our enemies to secure our future.”