Jerusalem (EFE).— Israel’s Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, said on Sunday that Israeli forces have “destroyed” the presidential palace of the Houthi rebels in Yemen during a new wave of airstrikes targeting the capital, Sana’a.
“The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) have destroyed the Houthi presidential palace in Yemen and struck fuel depots and power plants,” Gallant said in a joint statement with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The Israeli military confirmed that the strikes targeted the presidential complex, two power plants, and a fuel storage facility in Sana’a.
The Houthis’ Health and Environment Ministry reported at least two deaths and 35 injuries in the attacks.
Netanyahu defended the operations as a direct response to repeated Houthi attacks against Israel, calling them a warning to Tehran-backed groups across the region.
“Those who attack us, we attack. Whoever plans to strike us, we strike,” the prime minister said in remarks released by his office. “I believe the whole region is learning how strong the hands and determination of the State of Israel are.”
His office also published images showing Netanyahu and Gallant with IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir in Tel Aviv, overseeing the airstrikes from the Defense Ministry.
Netanyahu added that “all Israeli aircraft have already returned to Israel” after the operation.
The Houthis, allied with Iran, have frequently launched drones and ballistic missiles toward Israel since the Gaza war began in Oct. 2023, claiming solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
Most of those attacks have been intercepted by Israeli air defenses.
The escalation comes despite a ceasefire reached in May between the Houthis and the United States, Israel’s ally.
The truce has largely reduced direct clashes with Washington but has not halted the rebels’ strikes against Israel. EFE
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