Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned on Sunday that Yemen’s Houthi movement would “pay a heavy compounded price” for any attempt to strike Israel. His remarks followed the interception of a missile launched from Yemeni territory, which Israeli forces said they successfully downed.
In a post on the social platform X, Katz wrote: “We have imposed an aerial and naval blockade on the Houthis, placing heavy pressure on them. This morning, we also struck their infrastructure and energy facilities.” He emphasized that the current wave of attacks is “only the beginning,” promising that “subsequent actions will be stronger and more painful.”
Tensions between Israel and the Iran-backed Houthis have sharply intensified in recent months. The Houthis, embroiled in Yemen’s long-running civil war against the Saudi-led coalition, have repeatedly claimed responsibility for targeting Israeli-linked sites in the Red Sea and beyond, framing their attacks as support for Palestinians in Gaza. Israel maintains that most of these attempts have either failed or been intercepted by its defense systems.
Analysts warn that the escalating confrontation risks widening the regional conflict, especially given the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb strait’s critical role as global trade arteries for energy and goods. While the U.S. and European allies have previously conducted strikes against Houthi positions, Katz’s latest threats suggest that Israel is preparing to take on a more direct and aggressive role in this standoff.
