ALBAWABA- Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has warned that Israel will target and kill Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi if an operational opportunity presents itself, underscoring Israel's determination to confront threats emanating from Yemen despite ongoing regional de-escalation efforts.
Speaking at the MUNI EXPO 2026 Local Government Center conference, Katz said Israel would not hesitate to act against the Houthi leader, who he said was hiding underground. “The Houthi leader is hiding in tunnels, and if he comes within range of the target, he will die,” Katz said.
The defence minister warned that the threat posed by the Iran-backed Houthis extends beyond their current missile and drone capabilities, cautioning that the group could present more complex security challenges in the future.
Katz said Israel has expanded its intelligence and operational planning for multiple fronts, including Yemen, and has developed detailed target lists to respond to evolving threats across the region.
The remarks come amid a fragile diplomatic process between the United States and Iran, including a recent memorandum of understanding and talks in Switzerland aimed at reducing tensions and halting hostilities in several conflict zones, including Lebanon and Yemen.
Despite those efforts, Israel has maintained that it will continue to address threats from Iranian-backed groups independently and will not allow diplomatic negotiations to limit its freedom of action.
The Houthis have repeatedly launched missiles and drones toward Israel and targeted commercial shipping in the Red Sea, disrupting one of the world's most important maritime trade routes. Israeli officials argue that the group has continued to strengthen its military capabilities despite international efforts to contain the conflict.
Israel has previously conducted strikes against Houthi-linked infrastructure in Yemen and has intensified preparations for potential multi-front confrontations involving Iran and its regional allies.
Katz's comments reflect Israel's broader strategy toward what it describes as the “Axis of Resistance,” a network of Iran-aligned groups operating across Yemen, Lebanon, Gaza, Iraq, and Syria.
The statement signals Israel's willingness to pursue unilateral military action against what it allegedly perceives as strategic threats, even as US-led diplomacy with Tehran continues.
