‘Just the Beginning’: Netanyahu Promises More Strikes on Houthi Leaders

Following a deadly airstrike in Sanaa that killed the Houthi prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stark warning that Israel’s campaign against the Yemeni rebel group’s leadership is far from over. “This is just the beginning of the blows to the senior officials in Sanaa – we will reach everyone,” the Israeli leader stated, framing the assassination as the first step in a new phase of conflict.
The operation, which also killed other senior Houthi officials, was praised by Netanyahu as a “fatal blow.” It represents a major escalation in Israel’s response to the group’s ongoing missile attacks and disruptions to Red Sea shipping. The Houthis maintain their actions are a form of support for Palestinians in the Gaza conflict.
This long-range raid highlights Israel’s dramatically improved intelligence network in Yemen, a theater that was of lower priority before October 7. Despite the successful elimination of the prime minister, Ahmed Ghaleb Al Rahwi, key military figures, including the group’s chief of staff, apparently survived the attack, indicating a partial victory.
The Houthi movement has reacted with defiance, vowing to avenge the deaths of its leaders. Analyst Yoel Guzansky noted that while the strike is a “remarkable” achievement that will put the leadership on the run, it is unlikely to change the group’s fundamental motivation to continue its attacks against Israel.