Israeli Forces Strike Houthi Leaders in Yemen
Israeli forces executed a significant attack in Yemen on Thursday, targeting a high-level meeting of Houthi leaders as their chief delivered a nationwide address. During his speech, Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi claimed that Israeli Defense Minister Katz’s “hand raised against Israel would be cut off.”
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) conducted the strike around 1 PM local time near Sanaa, precisely as al-Houthi was speaking. Intelligence reports suggested that this gathering involved around ten key figures, including several high-ranking ministers.
According to various Hebrew media sources, this operation was characterized as “the most dramatic strike in Yemen,” aimed at dismantling the Houthi leadership and marking an escalation in Israel’s actions against terrorist factions. Initial reports emerged from Al Masirah TV prior to confirmation from Israeli officials.
Among those believed to have attended were the Houthi defense minister and chief of staff Mohammed Abd al-Karim al-Gamali, who had previously sustained injuries from an Israeli attack. Authorities have indicated uncertainty regarding al-Gamali’s current status.
This precise strike showcases Israel’s intelligence capabilities, with military officials observing whether the Houthi command was aware of the attack. There were indications that top commanders might have been caught off guard.
Israeli officials described the event as a “cabinet meeting” that included military leaders and Houthi ministers. Security sources asserted confidence in the operation’s success.
Defense Minister Katz, along with Lieutenant General Aidar Zamir, monitored the operation from IDF headquarters, sharing insights on the strategic approach taken in response to prior threats from the Houthis.
Prime Minister Netanyahu was also involved, using secure communications to coordinate with military leaders during the strikes. Both Katz and IDF representatives confirmed that the mission was executed successfully.
This strike follows an increase in attacks from the Houthis, including recent ballistic missile threats towards Israel. In the past week, Israel intercepted additional Houthi drones aimed at its territory.
Thursday’s action marked the second major strike within the week, following earlier attacks where dozens of munitions were dropped on Houthi targets. Reports from the Houthi health ministry claim that the latest strike resulted in ten fatalities and over one hundred injuries.
Additional reports indicated that there may have been up to ten separate strikes in the Sanaa area, suggesting a broader operation beyond just the leadership meeting.
Despite ongoing threats from the Houthis, Israeli officials noted that the group has not caused any fatalities in Israel since July 2024, attributing this situation to the efficacy of Israel’s defense systems. The IDF stated that the airstrike was a response to repeated assaults by the Houthi regime.
Military authorities are also focusing on Gaza, reinforcing operations against Hamas, indicative of Israel’s comprehensive strategy across different fronts, while simultaneously addressing threats from Yemen.
As al-Houthi concluded his remarks, he reiterated support for Palestinian causes, suggesting that Israeli intelligence had already evaluated the implications of the recent strike on his leadership. The full outcome of the operation is still being assessed, but Israeli officials are reportedly optimistic regarding its impact.
