Israeli Airstrike Kills Prime Minister of Houthi-Led Yemeni Government Amidst Escalating Tensions

In Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, the Houthis announced on Saturday that Ahmed al-Rahawi, Prime Minister of the rebel-controlled administration, was killed in an airstrike on Thursday. The strike also claimed the lives of several ministers, according to a statement released by the rebels.

Israel’s military confirmed carrying out a precision strike on a Houthi military target in Sanaa on Thursday. Al-Rahawi, who has been Prime Minister under the Houthi-led government since August 2024, was among those targeted during a routine workshop held by his administration to assess its activities and performance over the past year.

The Houthis have repeatedly launched missile attacks against Israel throughout the conflict in Gaza. They claim these attacks are in solidarity with the Palestinians. Although most of the missiles launched from Yemen are intercepted or disintegrate mid-air, the attacks persist.

Prior to this incident, Israeli strikes hit several areas across Sanaa, resulting in at least 10 fatalities and over 100 injuries, as reported by the Houthi-run health ministry and government officials.

Throughout Israel’s conflict with Hamas in Gaza, the Houthis have launched missiles and drones toward Israel and targeted ships in the Red Sea. They justify these attacks as expressions of solidarity with the Palestinians.

In response to the Houthi attacks, Israel, along with a U.S.-led coalition, has launched strikes on rebel-held territories in Yemen, including Sanaa and the strategic coastal city of Hodeida. The Sanaa airport was taken out of service by Israeli strikes in May.

The Trump administration previously negotiated a deal with the Houthis to halt airstrikes, contingent upon an end to attacks on shipping. However, the rebels stated that the agreement did not include a cessation of attacks on targets believed to be aligned with Israel.