Israel Threatens Houthis Over Attacks—-Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant warned on Thursday that the Houthis in Yemen will “suffer heavy blows” if they continue to target Israel.
Gallant stated that Israeli forces were “prepared for any mission,” and accused Iran of funding and arming the Houthis.
“The era of proxies is over, and the axis of evil has collapsed,” he said, holding Tehran directly responsible.
“What we did to Hezbollah in Beirut, to Hamas in Gaza, to Assad in Damascus, and to the Houthis in Yemen, we will do to you as well in Tehran,” Gallant warned.
The Houthi group, which controls much of northern Yemen, began targeting Israel and Israel-linked shipping in November 2023, citing support for Palestinians. Their attacks later expanded to include U.S. vessels.
In spite of an Oman-mediated deal on Tuesday between the United States and the Houthis to halt mutual attacks, the group had vowed to continue striking Israel until its military offensive in Gaza ends and the blockade on Palestinians is lifted.
On Wednesday, the Houthis claimed new drone attacks on Israel, though no damage was reported. The attacks came a day after Israeli airstrikes hit Houthi-held Sanaa International Airport and Hodeidah port on the Red Sea.
