In a targeted military strike that has escalated regional tensions, Israel killed the prime minister of Yemen's Houthi government in an airstrike on the capital, Sanaa, last Thursday.
According to The Daily Caller, Ahmad Ghaleb al-Rahwi and several of his cabinet members were killed in what Israeli officials called the first successful strike against high-ranking Houthi leadership since hostilities began.
The Israeli airstrike was carried out on August 28, 2025, striking a location in Sanaa where senior members of the Houthi government were reportedly gathered. According to Israeli sources, the individuals were present to view a video speech by Abdul Malik al-Houthi, the leader of the Iran-backed Houthis group that governs parts of northern Yemen.
The bombing killed Prime Minister Ahmad Ghaleb al-Rahwi, as well as the ministers of energy, foreign affairs, and information. Israeli defense officials have described the strike as a “complex operation,” emphasizing that it was facilitated by prior intelligence and control of the airspace.
On Saturday, Mahdi al-Mashat, who heads the Houthi Supreme Political Council, acknowledged the deaths. However, he declined to confirm the condition of Defense Minister Mohamed al-Atifi, another senior figure believed to be in the area when the strike took place.
Houthi Leader Confirms Deaths, Vows Response
In a public statement delivered two days after the strike, al-Mashat addressed the escalating conflict. "Our stance remains as it is and will remain until the aggression ends and the siege is lifted, no matter how great the challenges," he said. He also declared, "We shall take revenge," hinting at possible future retaliation against Israel or its allies.
Israeli security sources stated that the airstrike had initially aimed at taking out the Houthis’ chief of staff and defense minister, in addition to other top leadership figures. While the Prime Minister and three ministers were confirmed dead, the status of other targets remains unclear.
Deputy Prime Minister Mohamed Moftah is expected to take over Prime Minister Rahwi’s role. Before Rahwi’s appointment roughly a year ago, Moftah had served as the effective head of the Houthi government. Though Rahwi held the title of prime minister, he was not considered part of the Houthis’ inner leadership circle.
Strike Shows New Israeli Reach Into Sanaa
The operation highlights an increase in Israel’s ability to strike deeper within Houthi-controlled regions of Yemen. Until now, Israeli strikes against the Houthis had focused primarily on targeting military installations and weapon stockpiles.
The death of key Houthi political leaders could signal a tactical shift in Israel’s counteroffensive against the group. Officials in Tel Aviv indicated the strike was aimed at degrading the ability of the Houthi leadership to plan or support future operations.
Since October 2023, the Iran-aligned Houthis have launched attacks against commercial shipping in the Red Sea and fired drones and missiles toward Israeli territory. These actions were framed as solidarity with Palestinians during the war in Gaza, which has drawn international concern over expanding regional conflict.
Background: Houthi Role in Regional Conflict
In response to the Houthis’ actions, Israel has launched multiple military operations targeting Houthi-controlled infrastructure, including strikes on the critical port city of Hodeidah. Thursday’s airstrike, however, marked the first time Israeli forces have successfully targeted and killed members of the Houthi cabinet.
While the Houthis have long been at war with Yemen’s internationally recognized government, their recent involvement in the Israel-Gaza conflict has brought new dimensions to their campaign. With their long-range missile capabilities and Iranian support, they have emerged as a more significant threat to Israel's national security.
Israeli officials have not disclosed details about the intelligence methods used in identifying the exact location of the Houthi officials. However, its ability to carry out an operation of such depth and precision in Sanaa underscores what it described as its air superiority and advanced reconnaissance capabilities.
Leadership Transition Amid Uncertainty
The transition of power within the Houthi government comes at a critical moment. With several key ministers dead and uncertainty surrounding others, questions remain about the ability of the group to quickly reorganize its leadership.
Deputy Prime Minister Moftah, who will now temporarily assume Rahwi’s responsibilities, had previously played a leading role before Rahwi’s formal appointment. His experience may help preserve the internal Houthi hierarchy as the group assesses its position following the strike.
There has been no official reaction from Tehran, the Houthis’ primary regional backer. Iran has previously condemned Israeli military actions in Yemen and has voiced support for what it describes as legitimate resistance operations by the Houthis.
Regional Repercussions of Israeli Strike
Strategic analysts warn that killing senior Houthi officials could ignite retaliatory campaigns not only in the Red Sea but possibly more direct attacks on Israeli targets. The Houthis' vow for revenge, though vague, signals a readiness for continued confrontation.
The situation remains fluid, with Israeli and regional media closely monitoring developments concerning other targeted officials, particularly Defense Minister al-Atifi. If confirmed dead, his loss would further cripple the Houthis' military structure.
With each side determined to hold its ground and both signaling escalating responses, the strike on Sanaa could be a turning point in Israel’s countermeasures against the Houthis within a wider network of Iran-aligned militant groups across the region.
