Israel confirmed Saturday that a precision airstrike in Sanaa killed Yemen’s Houthi prime minister Ahmed Ghaleb al-Rahwi, alongside several senior ministers and military officials.
The Houthis’ own news agency also reported the deaths, though it withheld some details. Israeli officials said the strike targeted a gathering of top leaders, including the Houthi chief of staff and defense minister, but the fate of some remains unclear.
Defense Minister Israel Katz called the operation “just the beginning,” warning that Israel would respond forcefully to all threats from the Iran-backed group.
The Houthis, whose slogan includes “Death to Israel,” have launched 72 ballistic missiles and 23 drones at Israel since March. They resumed attacks after Israel’s offensive in Gaza reignited in 2025.
Channel 12 reported that as many as 12 ministers may have been killed in the strike, though the IDF has not confirmed the full toll. The attack — Israel’s 16th on Yemeni soil since October 2023 — was carried out using advanced intelligence and air superiority.
Rahwi, largely seen as a figurehead, had served less than a year. His deputy, Mohamed Moftah, has been assigned to carry out prime ministerial duties.
Israel says the strike underscores that the Houthis function as an Iranian proxy, destabilizing the region.
