Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed responsibility for a deadly strike in Sanaa, Yemen, that killed the Houthi prime minister and other high-ranking members of the rebel group. Calling it a “fatal blow,” Netanyahu asserted that Israel is embarking on a new strategy to hunt down the group’s entire leadership.
The attack is the most significant Israeli action against the Houthis since the group began its campaign of missile attacks and maritime disruptions. The Houthis have stated these actions are intended to pressure Israel over its military operations in the Gaza Strip and show solidarity with Palestinians.
This operation reveals a major upgrade in Israel’s intelligence gathering in the Arabian Peninsula, allowing for complex raids on previously inaccessible targets. Still, the mission fell short of its primary goal, as the Houthi chief of staff and defense minister, who oversee attacks on Israel, were not present and survived.
The Houthis have responded with threats of vengeance, promising to make Israel pay for the assassinations. Security analyst Yoel Guzansky noted that while the strike disrupts the Houthi leadership by forcing them into hiding, it is not a silver bullet and will not likely halt their ideologically driven attacks on Israel.