Aden — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed Sunday that the Israeli Air Force carried out a series of strategic airstrikes in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, targeting sites linked to the Iran-backed Houthi miltia . The strikes came in direct response to a ballistic missile launched by the Houthis toward central Israel late Friday, reportedly carrying a cluster warhead.

Netanyahu, who monitored the operation from Air Force headquarters alongside Defense Minister Israel Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, declared that the Houthis would “continue to pay a very heavy price” for their aggression.

“Whoever attacks us, we attack them. Whoever plans to attack us, we attack them,” Netanyahu said in a televised statement. “The Houthi terror regime is learning the hard way that it is paying, and will continue to pay, a very heavy price for its aggression against the State of Israel”.

Strategic Targets Hit

According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the airstrikes involved more than ten aircraft flying over 2,000 kilometers, dropping approximately 35 munitions on four key locations. These included:

- A military compound housing Yemen’s presidential palace

- The Asar and Hizaz power stations

- A fuel storage site

The IDF stated that these facilities were being used to support Houthi missile and drone operations, and emphasized that the use of civilian infrastructure for military purposes constitutes a violation of international norms.

Escalating Tensions

Friday’s missile attack marked the first confirmed use of cluster munitions by the Houthis against Israel. Although the missile fragmented mid-air, one submunition landed in the town of Ginaton, causing property damage but no injuries. Israeli air defenses attempted interception but failed to neutralize the fragments.

The Houthis have launched over 70 ballistic missiles and more than 20 drones toward Israel since March, according to IDF figures. While most have been intercepted, several have caused casualties and damage.

Regional Implications

Israeli officials say the strikes are part of a broader campaign to degrade the Houthis’ military infrastructure and deter future attacks. Defense Minister Katz warned that the air and sea blockade on Houthi assets “is just the beginning” of a sustained response.

Meanwhile, Houthi media reported casualties from the strikes, claiming at least two dead and several wounded, though these figures remain unverified.