IDF warns Houthis twice to evacuate without striking

Last week, the head of Yemen’s Houthi Supreme Political Council, Mahdi al-Mashat, announced that the terror group would continue its attacks against Israel despite a ceasefire with the United States.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

Twice this week, after the IDF warned civilians in Yemen to evacuate following a Houthi missile attack, Israel nevertheless did not retaliate.

Houthi missiles sent Israelis to shelters early on Sunday, and the IDF ordered civilians to evacuate certain areas in Yemen, but no Israeli strike followed.

Similarly, another missile attack on Wednesday morning was followed by a similar warning from Israel, but Israel’s military did not strike.

The Prime Minister’s office and the military declined to comment on why there was no retaliation.

Sources have offered several explanations, including the desire to save the expense of attacking the Houthis each time they launch missiles.

Another possible reason is to avoid footage of battles during US President Donald Trump’s Middle East visit.

Israel’s evacuation orders included Ras Isa Port, Hodeidah Port,and Al-Salif Port. The warning to evacuate was delivered by IDF Arabic spokesman Avichay Adraee, who told civilians in Yemen, “Due to the terrorist Houthi regime’s use of seaports for its terrorist activities, we urge all those present at these ports to evacuate and stay away from them for your safety until further notice.”

The terror group’s missiles fired at Israel were intercepted by Arrow interceptors and American THAAD anti-ballistic missiles.

Although the missiles did not directly cause injuries, one woman was hurt while making her way to a shelter.

Last week, the head of Yemen’s Houthi Supreme Political Council, Mahdi al-Mashat, announced that the terror group would continue its attacks against Israel despite an impending ceasefire with the United States, citing the continuing war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

In the Oval Office on Tuesday, Trump announced that he made a deal with the Houthis, according to which the US would cease its strikes against them in exchange for an agreement that they would no longer disrupt trade routes. According to an Israeli source, the president did not consult with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before making the deal.

Donald TrumpEvacuationHouthisUS Mideast policyUS-Israel relations