In retaliation, Israel takes out the whole Houthi government with a single hit

August 30, 2025
Source: The Associated Press
Middle East conflict

CAIRO — The Iranian-backed Houthi rebels announced on Saturday that an Israeli airstrike killed the prime minister of their rebel-controlled government in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa. Ahmed al-Rahawi was reportedly killed in a Thursday strike in Sanaa, along with several ministers, according to a statement from the rebels. The Israeli military confirmed that it "precisely struck a Houthi terrorist regime military target in the area of Sanaa in Yemen."

Al-Rahawi had served as prime minister of the Houthi-led government since August 2024. He was targeted during a routine workshop where government officials were evaluating their activities and performance over the past year, as stated by the rebels.  

The Houthis have consistently launched missiles at Israel throughout the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, claiming these actions are in solidarity with the Palestinians. Although most of the missiles fired from Yemen are intercepted by Israel or fragment mid-air, this has not deterred the attacks.  

Earlier in the week, Israeli airstrikes hit multiple locations across Sanaa, resulting in at least 10 fatalities and 102 injuries, according to the Houthi-run health ministry and government officials.  

As Palestinians, including children, struggle to access food due to Israel's blockade and ongoing attacks in the Gaza Strip, many are seen waiting in line to receive food aid from charitable organizations.  

Throughout the conflict with Hamas, the Houthis have launched missiles and drones towards Israel and targeted ships in the Red Sea. The rebels emphasize that their attacks are in support of the Palestinians.  

In retaliation for the Houthi attacks, Israel and a U.S.-led coalition have conducted airstrikes on rebel-held areas in Yemen, including Sanaa and the strategic coastal city of Hodeida. Notably, Israeli airstrikes rendered the Sanaa airport inoperable in May.  

During the Trump administration, a deal was announced with the Houthis to end airstrikes in exchange for a cessation of attacks on shipping. However, the rebels claimed that the agreement did not include stopping strikes on targets they viewed as aligned with Israel.