JERUSALEM/UNITED NATIONS - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday that Israel would deliver a "forceful response" to repeated attacks by Yemen's Houthi forces.

Netanyahu made the threat during a public speech in Tel Aviv, which he said addressed "the Houthis and all those who wish us harm," vowing that "any attack against Israel will not go unanswered. There will be a forceful response."

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The prime minister did not specify in what form the response would be made, but said Israel would not tolerate continued attacks on its territory.

He also noted that the Houthis in Yemen, "who keep firing at Israel," have already taken "heavy blows from Israel and American allies."

Yemen-based Houthi forces have launched dozens of long-range missiles and drones toward Israel and targeted Israeli-linked shipping in the Red Sea since the start of the Gaza war in October 2023, to show solidarity with Palestinians under Israeli bombardment.

Both the Israeli military and a US-led naval coalition stationed in the Red Sea have responded with several deadly airstrikes in Yemen, targeting Houthi-controlled areas and infrastructure to deter the group.

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Also on Monday, a UN spokesman raised concern over US airstrikes on Yemen's oil port of Ras Isa, where five aid workers were among the hundreds of casualties.

Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, also voiced concern over the Houthi's attacks on Israel and Red Sea shipping.
"We note with continued concern the airstrikes conducted by the United States on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen over the course of (Thursday and Friday) in and around the port of Ras Isa," Dujarric said during a regular briefing. "Our humanitarian colleagues say that five humanitarian workers were confirmed injured in those strikes on Ras Isa port."

He said initial reports counted more than 230 casualties, including 80 people killed. A fire at the port was reported extinguished only on Monday morning, although there remains deep concern over reports of fuel leaking into the Red Sea.

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Dujarric said that any additional escalation may further destabilize Yemen and the region "and pose grave risks to the already dire humanitarian situation."

He also called for the immediate and unconditional release of all UN and other personnel arbitrarily detained by the Houthis.