Israel's defence chief threatens to retaliate for Houthi missiles

2/7/2025 6:23

Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz vowed to retaliate against Iran-aligned Houthis after his country's military intercepted a missile launched from Yemen toward Israeli territory.



"The fate of Yemen is the same as that of Tehran," Katz said in a statement, referring to last month's 12-day conflict during which Israel targeted Iran's nuclear and missile programmes. "After striking the head of the snake in Tehran, we will also strike the Houthis in Yemen. Whoever raises a hand against Israel — that hand will be cut off," the statement said.



Israel has threatened Yemen's Houthi movement - which has been attacking Israel in what it says is solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip - with a naval and air blockade if its attacks on Israel persist.



Since the start of Israel's war in Gaza in October 2023, the Houthis, who control most of Yemen, have been firing at Israel and at shipping in the Red Sea, disrupting global trade.