Israeli Airstrikes Kill Senior Houthi Leaders in Sanaa Retaliation

Israel conducted targeted airstrikes against senior Houthi military and political leaders in Yemen's capital Sanaa, marking a significant escalation in the Israel-Houthi conflict and showcasing improved Israeli intelligence capabilities against this Iranian-backed group. While Israeli officials claimed the strikes were successful in hitting key figures, including the Houthi defense minister and chief of staff, Houthi authorities denied any leadership casualties, labeling the reports as false and accusing Israel of targeting civilians in retaliation for their support of Gaza. The strikes occurred amid intensified cross-border missile and drone attacks by the Houthis on Israel, with Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warning of severe repercussions for any aggression against Israel. Experts view the operation as a psychological and strategic message to the Houthis that Israel's response to attacks will become increasingly lethal, signaling a shift from targeting infrastructure to direct decapitation attempts of Houthi leadership. The attack was part of a broader Israeli effort to counter Iranian-backed proxies destabilizing the region, reflecting heightened regional tensions and fears of a widening conflict. The Houthis, however, vowed retaliation, emphasizing their resilience and commitment to continuing their struggle.