Israel Vows to Target Houthi Leaders After Airstrikes Kill Nine in Yemen

 Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declared on Thursday that Israel’s “long hand” will reach the leaders of Yemen’s Houthi movement following a series of airstrikes that reportedly killed nine people in the country overnight.

According to Al Masirah TV, the main news outlet operated by the Iran-aligned Houthis, the airstrikes resulted in the deaths of seven individuals in the port city of Salif and two at the Ras Issa oil facility, both located in the western province of Hodeidah. The strikes also targeted two central power stations situated south and north of the capital, Sanaa.

“I warn the leaders of the Houthi terrorist organization: Israel’s long hand will reach you as well,” Katz stated in a post on social media platform X. He added, “Whoever raises a hand against the state of Israel, his hand will be cut off; whoever harms, will be harmed sevenfold.”

In a statement, the Israeli military confirmed that it had conducted “precise strikes on Houthi military targets in Yemen, including ports and energy infrastructure in Sanaa,” asserting that the facilities targeted were being used by Houthi forces for military purposes.

Earlier on Thursday, the Israeli military reported intercepting a missile launched from Yemen, further escalating tensions in the region. The Iran-aligned Houthi militants have been involved in attacks on international shipping near Yemen since last November, expressing solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

The situation underscores the complex web of regional conflicts and alliances, with Israel taking a firm stance against the Houthi movement, which has been increasingly active in the maritime domain.