Israel Vows to Target Houthi Leaders After Yemen Airstrikes

Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, declared on Thursday that the country’s “long hand” would reach the leaders of Yemen’s Houthi movement. This statement came after Israeli forces launched a series of overnight airstrikes on several areas in Yemen, resulting in multiple casualties and damage to key infrastructure.

Casualties and Targets

The airstrikes, according to Al Masirah TV, the main news outlet of the Iran-aligned Houthi movement, killed nine people. Seven of the casualties were reported in the port of Salif, and two were at the Ras Issa oil facility, both located in the western province of Hodeidah. Other targets included two central power stations, one south and one north of the Yemeni capital, Sanaa.

Israel’s Statement

Defence Minister Katz issued a stern warning to Houthi leaders via a statement on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “Israel’s long hand will reach you as well. Whoever raises a hand against the state of Israel, his hand will be cut off; whoever harms, will be harmed sevenfold.”

The Israeli military confirmed that the strikes targeted Houthi military assets in Yemen, including ports and energy infrastructure. A military spokesperson stated, “The targets struck were used by Houthi forces for military purposes.”

Retaliation for Missile Interception

Earlier on Thursday, the Israeli military reported that it had intercepted a missile launched from Yemen. This attack appears to have been the catalyst for the subsequent airstrikes.

Background and Context

Iran-aligned Houthi militants have engaged in attacks on international shipping near Yemen since November 2023. These actions have been framed as acts of solidarity with Palestinians amid Israel’s ongoing war with Hamas. The Houthis, who control large portions of Yemen, have faced criticism and accusations from Israel and its allies of acting as a proxy for Iranian interests in the region.

Israel’s airstrikes mark an escalation in the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, with the potential to increase hostilities beyond Israel’s borders. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, given the strategic importance of Yemen’s ports and energy infrastructure to global trade.