Sana'a – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a sharp warning to Hezbollah and Yemen’s Houthi rebels, declaring that Israel will act decisively to eliminate any threat to its national security. 

His remarks came shortly after a ceasefire was reached in Gaza, signaling a shift in Israel’s military posture toward other Iranian-backed groups in the region.

Netanyahu stated, “Following the Gaza truce, Israel will not allow Iran’s proxies to regroup or recover. We will remove any threat—whether from Lebanon or Yemen—that endangers our citizens or seeks to destabilize the region.”

The statement followed a warning from Defense Minister Israel Katz, who announced that Israel would begin targeting Houthi leadership in response to recent missile and drone attacks launched from Yemen. Katz emphasized that the Houthis, like Hezbollah, are part of Iran’s regional axis and must be dealt with before they exploit the post-ceasefire lull to rebuild their capabilities.

Israeli officials have accused both groups of attempting to capitalize on the Gaza ceasefire to reassert their influence and resume attacks. The Houthis have launched several drones and ballistic missiles toward southern Israel in recent weeks, while Hezbollah has intensified its presence along the northern border.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar also urged European nations to designate the Houthis as a terrorist organization, citing their attacks on international shipping and civilian infrastructure.

Netanyahu’s remarks suggest a broader Israeli strategy aimed at preempting any resurgence of Iranian-aligned militias across the region.