Sana'a – Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has issued a stern warning to Yemen’s Houthi movement, pledging a “painful and decisive response” following a series of missile attacks launched toward Israel in recent days.

The Houthis, an Iran-backed rebel group controlling parts of northern Yemen, reportedly fired three ballistic missiles at Israel within a 24-hour period, including one carrying a cluster munition warhead. While all missiles were intercepted or fell short of Israeli territory, the escalation has prompted a forceful reaction from Israeli leadership.

“The Houthis will pay for every missile they launch at Israel,” Katz declared during a press briefing at an Israeli Air Force base. He described the retaliatory airstrikes on Houthi military infrastructure in Sana’a as a “plague of darkness” and warned that further aggression would be met with overwhelming force.

The Israeli military confirmed that its recent operation involved over ten fighter jets, including F-35 stealth aircraft, targeting strategic Houthi sites such as the presidential palace, fuel depots, and drone launch facilities. The strikes were described as a direct message not only to the Houthis but also to Iran, which Israel accuses of orchestrating and funding the attacks.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed Katz’s remarks, stating that “anyone who attacks Israel will pay a heavy price.” He praised the military’s “flawless execution” and emphasized Israel’s readiness to defend itself against threats from any direction.

The Houthis have intensified their missile and drone campaign against Israel and Israeli-linked maritime assets since late August, following an Israeli airstrike that killed Houthi Prime Minister Ahmed Ghaleb Nasser al-Rahawi and several senior officials.

Regional analysts warn that the situation could spiral further, with tensions between Israel and Iran reaching new heights. Diplomatic channels remain limited, and observers fear that the conflict may expand beyond its current scope.