The conflict between Israel and Yemen’s Houthi rebels has sharply escalated after Israel launched a devastating series of airstrikes on Sanaa. The military action was a direct response to the Houthis’ unprecedented use of a ballistic missile armed with a cluster bomb warhead in an attack on Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu framed the strikes as a necessary consequence, stating the Houthis would pay a “very heavy price” for their aggression. He emphasized a proactive defense strategy, declaring that Israel will not wait for an attack to materialize before acting against those who plot against it.
The Israeli Air Force hit several strategic assets in the Houthi-held capital. Targets included a fuel depot, power stations, and a military compound housing the presidential palace. While Defence Minister Israel Katz claimed the palace was “destroyed,” this has not been verified from the ground in Yemen.
The bombardment resulted in significant casualties, with Houthi authorities reporting six people killed and nearly 90 wounded. The strikes, which caused massive explosions and fires, mark a dangerous new chapter in the regional conflict, showcasing Israel’s willingness to project its military power far beyond its immediate borders.
