Israel’s Defense Minister, Yisroel Katz, warned on Thursday that the country’s “long hand” would reach the leaders of Yemen’s Houthi movement after Israeli airstrikes hit multiple locations in the country overnight. The airstrikes resulted in the deaths of nine individuals, according to Al Masirah TV, a station run by the Iran-backed Houthis, who hold substantial control over Yemen. Seven of the fatalities occurred in the port of Salif, while the other two were at the Ras Issa oil facility, both in the western Hodeidah province. Additionally, the strikes targeted two major power stations located south and north of Yemen’s capital, Sanaa.

Katz issued a stern warning to the leaders of the Houthi organization, saying on X, “I warn the leaders of the Houthi terrorist organisation: Israel’s long hand will reach you as well. Whoever raises a hand against the state of Israel, his hand will be cut off; whoever harms, will be harmed sevenfold.”

The Israeli military confirmed in a statement that it had carried out “precise strikes on Houthi military targets in Yemen, including ports and energy infrastructure in Sanaa,” emphasizing that the attacked sites were being used by the Houthis for military purposes. Earlier in the day, Israel’s military also reported intercepting a missile launched from Yemen.

Since last November, the Houthi forces, aligned with Iran, have been responsible for several attacks on international shipping near Yemen, conducted in support of Palestinians amid Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas.

{Matzav.com Israel}