Israel vows to target Houthi leaders as Houthi TV reports nine fatalities from airstrikes

Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, asserted on Thursday that the nation’s “long hand” will extend to the leaders of Yemen’s Houthi movement, following a series of airstrikes on various locations within the country overnight.

According to Al Masirah TV, the primary news outlet affiliated with the Iran-backed Houthis, the Israeli airstrikes resulted in the deaths of nine individuals—seven in the port city of Salif and two at the Ras Issa oil facility, both situated in the western province of Hodeidah.

The strikes also targeted two key power stations located to the south and north of the capital, Sanaa. Katz warned the Houthi leadership via a post on X, stating, “I caution the leaders of the Houthi terrorist organization: Israel’s long hand will reach you as well. Anyone who raises a hand against the state of Israel will find their hand severed; those who inflict harm will face repercussions sevenfold.”

In a subsequent statement, the Israeli military confirmed that it had executed precise strikes on Houthi military installations in Yemen, which included ports and energy infrastructure in Sanaa, emphasizing that these targets were utilized by Houthi forces for military operations.

Earlier that day, the Israeli military reported intercepting a missile that had been launched from Yemen. Since last November, Iran-aligned Houthi militants have been conducting attacks on international shipping in the region, expressing solidarity with the Palestinians amid Israel’s conflict with Hamas.