Netanyahu Describes Houthis as ‘Almost the Last Arm of Iran’s Axis of Evil’

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday defended Israel’s recent airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, emphasizing the group’s role as a key component of Iran’s regional network of proxies. The strikes came in response to a Houthi missile attack on central Israel, which caused severe damage to a school in Ramat Gan.

“This morning, the Air Force attacked strategic targets of the Houthis in the port of Hodeidah and deep into Yemen,” Netanyahu said. “We did this in response to repeated Houthi attacks against civilian targets in Israel. Last night, they attacked a school in Ramat Gan.”

Netanyahu highlighted the broader threat posed by the Houthis, whose activities extend beyond targeting Israel. “They are not attacking just us they are attacking the entire world. They are attacking international shipping and commercial lanes. Thus, when Israel takes action against the Houthis, it is acting on behalf of the entire international community,” he added, noting that the United States and other nations understand the global implications of Houthi aggression.

Israeli Air Force (IAF) jets carried out two waves of retaliatory strikes overnight Wednesday. The first targeted strategic sites, including the port of Hodeidah, while the second wave struck deeper into Yemen, hitting energy infrastructure. According to the IDF, the operation involved 14 fighter jets, supported by refuelers and reconnaissance planes.

The IDF described the strikes as a measure to degrade Houthi capabilities and prevent their use of critical infrastructure for military purposes. “The conducted strikes degrade the Houthi terrorist regime, preventing it from exploiting the targets for military and terrorist purposes, including the smuggling of Iranian weapons to the region,” the IDF stated.

The missile fired by the Houthis at around 2:35 a.m. Wednesday was intercepted, but fragments caused significant damage. Shrapnel struck an elementary school in Ramat Gan, leading to a partial collapse of the building’s central structure. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, as the school was unoccupied at the time. Missile fragments were also discovered near the Knesset in Jerusalem.

Netanyahu concluded by reinforcing Israel’s resolve: “After Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Assad regime in Syria, the Houthis are almost the last arm of Iran’s axis of evil. They are finding out, and will find out, the hard way that whoever harms Israel will pay a very heavy price.”

The IDF vowed to continue operations to protect Israeli citizens from all threats, reflecting its commitment to neutralizing Iran-backed proxies throughout the region.

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