In a stark “eye for an eye” declaration, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz vowed that the Houthi rebels will “pay many times over” for every missile they launch at Israel. This promise was made tangible by a massive Israeli air raid on Sanaa that left at least six dead and dozens injured.
The Israeli response was triggered by a Houthi ballistic missile, which an Israeli military investigation concluded was armed with a cluster bomb warhead. In retaliation, Israeli jets targeted a military compound with the presidential palace, a fuel depot, and power stations, hitting the core of Houthi infrastructure.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reinforced this message of overwhelming retribution. He stated that the Houthi regime is now learning the steep cost of its aggression against Israel. His government’s policy is to strike not only those who attack but also those who are merely planning to attack.
While Israel claims to have “destroyed” the Houthi presidential palace, this remains unconfirmed by Yemeni sources. What is certain is the devastation in Sanaa, where Houthi officials have reported 86 people wounded, over 20 of them critically, highlighting the severe human cost of this escalating conflict.