Israel Strikes Houthi Sites in Sanaa; Two Killed

Israel carried out large airstrikes on Houthi-held Sanaa on Thursday in retaliation for a Houthi drone that struck the Israeli resort city of Eilat on Wednesday, wounding about 20–22 people. The Israeli military said the strikes hit the Houthis’ general‑staff headquarters, security and intelligence sites, weapons depots and drone stockpiles, struck seven targets and involved dozens of aircraft — including about 20 fighter jets with aerial refuelling — dropping more than 65 munitions. Defence Minister Israel Katz said dozens of Houthi operatives and UAVs were destroyed and Israel vowed further operations. Houthi and local health officials reported a preliminary toll of two killed and 48 wounded and said strikes struck residential areas and infrastructure, while news agencies and eyewitnesses described powerful explosions and plumes of smoke. The attacks coincided with a televised speech by Houthi leader Abdul‑Malik al‑Houthi, and observers warned the tit‑for‑tat strikes risk wider regional escalation amid sustained exchanges since the 2023 Gaza war.