Shiite rebels, known as Houthis, gather during a protest against Saudi-led airstrikes in Sanaa, Yemen. (AP Photo/Hani Mohammed)
The group reportedly included the Houthis’ defense minister, with unconfirmed indications that chief of staff Muhammad al-Ghamari may also have been present.
By Vered Weiss, World Israel News
Israel carried out a major strike in Yemen on Thursday, targeting some of the most senior leaders of the Houthi movement, according to Hebrew media reports.
Unnamed security officials said Israeli intelligence discovered around midday that 10 Houthi ministers and senior officials had gathered outside the capital, Sanaa, for a speech by their leader, Abdul Malik al-Houthi.
The group reportedly included the Houthis’ defense minister, with unconfirmed indications that Chief of Staff Muhammad al-Ghamari may also have been present.
Within hours, the Israel Defense Forces struck the site. The operation was launched despite dense air defenses in the area.
As al-Houthi spoke live on television, Israeli intelligence monitored the broadcast to see if he seemed aware that the attack was unfolding against his senior officials.
He appeared to continue without showing any awareness of the strike.
The outcome of the strike was not immediately clear, though early reports suggested that key Houthi defense leaders may have been killed.
Other sources were more cautious, stressing that confirmation was still pending.
Defense Minister Israel Katz, who observed the strike alongside IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir from headquarters, said afterward: “Whoever raises a hand against Israel, his hand will be cut off.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu followed developments through secure communications.
Thursday’s strike came just hours after Israeli forces intercepted two drones fired by the Houthis toward Israel.
It marked the second Israeli attack in Yemen this week, following earlier strikes on ballistic missile sites and infrastructure in Sanaa.
The Houthis, backed by Iran, have been launching rockets and drones at Israel since October 2023.
At least two ballistic missiles were fired toward Israel in the past week alone, continuing a campaign that has not ceased despite repeated Israeli counterstrikes.
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