The long arm of Israeli intelligence was on display after a strike 2,000km away in Sanaa killed the Houthi prime minister, an operation praised by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a major success. Netanyahu called the hit a “fatal blow” and warned of more to come.
The strike was a direct retaliation for the Houthis’ persistent campaign of launching missiles at Israel and disrupting Red Sea shipping, which they link to the conflict in Gaza. Netanyahu stated that all Houthi leaders are now in Israel’s sights.
The killing of Ahmed Ghaleb Al Rahwi demonstrates a formidable leap in Israel’s long-range strike capabilities. However, the mission’s primary military targets, the Houthi chief of staff and defense minister, were not harmed, leaving their command structure in place.
The Houthis have sworn revenge, with a senior leader promising retaliation in a video message. While the strike will force the group’s remaining leaders underground, analysts believe it will not break their will to continue the fight against Israel.
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