The Houthi leadership is now firmly in Benjamin Netanyahu’s crosshairs after a successful Israeli strike assassinated the group’s prime minister in Sanaa. The Israeli leader declared the raid a “fatal blow” and warned that a hunt for the remaining leaders has begun.
The strike was carried out in response to the Houthis’ sustained aggression against Israel, including missile launches and attacks on Red Sea shipping. The group has consistently linked these actions to the ongoing war in Gaza.
The operation showcases a dramatic improvement in Israel’s intelligence and long-range strike capabilities. However, the failure to eliminate the Houthi chief of staff means the group’s military command is still operational and planning its response.
The Houthis have vowed revenge for the death of Ahmed Ghaleb Al Rahwi, signaling their defiance. Security experts believe the primary effect of the strike will be to force the leadership underground, disrupting their operations but not ending their campaign.