Sanaa: The Prime Minister of Yemen’s Houthi-run government, Ahmed al-Rahawi, was killed along with several senior ministers and military leaders in an Israeli airstrike on the capital, Sanaa, officials confirmed on Saturday. The strike, which took place on Thursday, marks one of the most significant blows to the Houthi leadership since the start of their confrontation with Israel.

According to the Houthi Supreme Political Council, Rahawi was among multiple senior figures targeted while attending a government gathering. Defense Minister, the military chief of staff, and several cabinet ministers were also reported dead. Council chairman Mahdi al-Mashat confirmed the deaths and pledged retaliation, declaring that “the blood of the martyrs will not go unavenged.”

The Israeli military described the operation as a precision strike enabled by intelligence, aimed at what it called “terrorist regime military targets.” Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said the strike delivered a “crushing blow” to Houthi command structures, signaling a sharp escalation in the conflict.

In the aftermath of the attack, the Houthis appointed Muhammad Ahmed Miftah, previously deputy prime minister, as the acting head of government. Analysts note that while Rahawi’s political role was largely symbolic, the loss of multiple ministers in one strike represents a major symbolic and morale setback for the group.

The Israeli strike comes amid months of escalating hostilities rooted in the wider Gaza conflict. Since late 2023, the Iran-backed Houthis have launched missiles and drones at Israel and targeted international shipping in the Red Sea, claiming solidarity with Palestinians. In response, Israel has conducted repeated strikes on Houthi-controlled areas.

Reports suggest Israel had intended to target nearly the entire Houthi cabinet in the attack, with casualties believed to include ministers of justice, economy, foreign affairs, and agriculture. The full scale of losses has yet to be officially confirmed.

The Houthis have vowed retaliation, raising concerns of renewed attacks on Israel and shipping lanes in the Red Sea. Regional observers warn that the strike may deepen instability in the Middle East, with Iran and other powers closely watching the fallout.

The incident is expected to draw international reaction in the coming days, with calls likely for restraint amid fears of broader escalation.