Defense Minister Threatens Houthi Leader, Rejects Withdrawal from South Lebanon

Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a forceful warning on Wednesday at a conference of the Local Government Center, saying Israel’s campaign against the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen is far from over. He said, “The account of the State of Israel with the Houthis is still open, they will pay a price,” and added about the group’s leadership, “If their leader comes into our sights, we will eliminate him.”

Katz also addressed the situation in Lebanon and Hezbollah’s ongoing threats. He said Israel would not retreat from its military gains in southern Lebanon, even if Washington pressed it to do so. “Even if there is an American demand, we will not withdraw from southern Lebanon,” he said. “200,000 residents, Lebanese, will not return. No residents and no terrorists.”

He argued that in the past, civilian presence in border villages had served as cover for attacks on Israeli soldiers, including explosives and bombings. “That is why we do not allow it,” he said, adding, “Soldiers inside, residents outside.” Katz concluded by saying the area remains heavily damaged and Israel is staying put: “The infrastructure is destroyed, the houses are threatening and destroyed, we are not withdrawing.”