U.S. Strikes Houthi Targets as Netanyahu Prepares for Key Discussions with Trump
The U.S. conducted five airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen. Former hostages in Israel urged the government for a deal on hostages. Hamas released a video of hostages, marking the first sign of life for one. Netanyahu is to meet Trump discussing tariffs and Iran. The IDF attempts to clarify a tragic incident involving Red Cross workers amidst ongoing conflict.
The U.S. reportedly executed five airstrikes on Houthi targets in Hodeidah, Yemen, as stated by Israel’s public broadcaster KAN citing local reports. This marks a return to active strikes against the Yemen-based group, which had not been reported since March when Yemeni media indicated 24 airstrikes occurred in various locations, including the capital Sana’a.
At a Tel Aviv rally, freed hostages Omer Wenkert, Liri Albag, and Gadi Moses demanded the Israeli government negotiate a comprehensive deal to secure the return of all Israeli hostages. Wenkert shared, “For 505 days, I was starved, humiliated, and beaten… almost losing my sanity,” underscoring the severity of their ordeal.
On October 7, Hamas released a video featuring hostages Bar Kupershtein and Maxim Herkin, confirming it as the first sign of life for Herkin since his abduction. The video forms part of Hamas’s propaganda strategy amid ongoing hostilities.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with President Donald Trump on Monday to discuss newly imposed tariffs on Israel and address broader topics including U.S. efforts to engage Iran on nuclear negotiations, the ongoing Gaza conflict, and the hostage situation.
In a separate incident, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is attempting to reframe the narrative surrounding the accidental killing of 14 Red Cross workers during a military operation. Initial assessments wrongly identified the victims as Hamas members, highlighting critical issues regarding conduct towards international aid workers.
In a broader context, Israel remains engaged in conflict following a significant Hamas attack on October 7, which resulted in over 1,200 casualties, including civilian and military losses. As of now, 59 hostages remain captive, with 49 reported dead in captivity according to the IDF. A ceasefire with Lebanon has been in effect since November 27 at 4 a.m.
Recent developments include U.S. airstrikes on Houthi forces, the release of a Hamas hostage video, and impending discussions between Netanyahu and Trump on critical issues. The IDF faces scrutiny for the tragic killing of Red Cross workers during operations, while the military continues to address the hostages’ plight amidst ongoing conflict in the region.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
