Israel’s Reach Grows: Netanyahu Confirms Strike on Houthi Leadership in Sanaa

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed Israel’s expanding military reach after a strike 2,000km away in Sanaa killed the Houthi prime minister and other officials. Lauding the raid as a “fatal blow,” Netanyahu signaled a new, more aggressive posture toward the Yemeni rebel group.
The strike was retaliation for the Houthis’ campaign of disruption, which has included firing missiles at Israeli territory and attacking international shipping in the Red Sea. The group claims these actions are in support of the Palestinian cause in the ongoing Gaza conflict.
The killing of so many senior leaders in one go points to a dramatic improvement in Israeli intelligence on a foe that was previously a low priority. However, the celebration is muted by the fact that the group’s chief of staff and defense minister, who orchestrate the attacks, were not eliminated.
The Houthis have mourned their prime minister, Ahmed Ghaleb Al Rahwi, and have vowed to retaliate. Yoel Guzansky, an Israeli security analyst, praised the “remarkable” strike for putting the Houthi command on the run but agreed it will not likely stop their ideologically-driven campaign.