Emphasizing a doctrine of pre-emption, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared, “Whoever plans to attack us, we attack him,” following a major Israeli airstrike on Houthi-controlled Yemen. The raid on Sanaa was a direct consequence of a Houthi missile attack on Israel that was reportedly armed with a cluster bomb.
The Israeli Air Force targeted several key locations in the Yemeni capital, including the compound of the presidential palace, a fuel depot, and power stations. The strikes caused large explosions and fires, visibly demonstrating the force of Israel’s response to what it deemed a significant provocation.
The operation resulted in numerous casualties, with the Houthi health ministry confirming six deaths and 86 people wounded, many critically. The human cost underscores the intensity of the Israeli bombardment and the seriousness with which Netanyahu’s government views the Houthi threat.
Netanyahu warned that the Houthis are paying a “very heavy price” for their actions, a sentiment echoed by his Defence Minister, who claimed the Houthi presidential palace was destroyed. The strikes signal Israel’s commitment to neutralizing threats before they can fully materialize.
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