‘We will strike the Houthis like Tehran,’ Israel warns Yemen after missile interception
Israel has issued a sharp warning to Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels after intercepting a missile launched toward Israeli territory on Tuesday.
The missile was successfully shot down by Israeli air defense systems, and no damage or injuries were reported, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement quoted by Reuters.
In a strongly worded response, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said that Yemen would be treated the same as Iran if the Houthis continued to target Israel.
“After striking the head of the snake in Tehran, we will also strike the Houthis in Yemen,” Katz said. “Whoever raises a hand against Israel — that hand will be cut off.”
Rising threat from Houthis
The missile attack marks the latest in a series of Houthi assaults since the outbreak of Israel’s war in Gaza in October 2023. The Houthis, who control large parts of Yemen and are backed by Iran, claim to be targeting Israel in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
Although most of their missiles and drones have been intercepted or have failed to reach Israel, the group’s actions have heightened regional tensions and disrupted global trade by targeting commercial vessels in the Red Sea.
The Israeli government has repeatedly warned it may impose a naval and air blockade on Yemen if such attacks continue.
US support and global reaction
The interception drew a reaction from U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, who took to social media to express concern.
“We thought we were done with missiles coming to Israel, but Houthis just lit one up over us in Israel,” Huckabee wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Fortunately, Israel’s incredible interception system means we go to the shelter and wait until all clear. Maybe those B-2 bombers need to visit Yemen!”
U.S. B-2 bombers had previously taken part in strikes on Iranian military sites during a 12-day campaign last month, as part of coordinated action with Israel, Reuters reported.
Since the start of the Gaza conflict, Israel has launched multiple airstrikes on Houthi missile launch sites and infrastructure in Yemen, aiming to curb the group’s ability to threaten Israeli and international interests.
Officials in both Israel and the United States view the ongoing Houthi attacks as part of a larger effort by Iran and its regional allies to expand their influence and apply pressure on Israel amid the Gaza war.
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