Security establishment prepares for a possible renewed confrontation with the Houthis

Israel’s security establishment is preparing for the possibility of renewed fighting in the Yemeni arena, according to a report Wednesday evening on Channel 14. The move comes after Defense Minister Israel Katz warned the Houthi leadership in an interview earlier in the day, and officials have now renewed operational plans for action against the group if the political echelon orders it.

The security system is also updating its operational response to threats coming from the south. Katz said that “the account of the State of Israel with the Houthis is open” and that they will pay a price for their actions. He also stressed the possibility of a targeted strike against the organization’s leadership, adding that if the Houthi leader becomes an Israeli target, “he will be eliminated.”

The Houthis returned to the headlines at the beginning of this month after a missile was launched from Yemen toward Israel amid rising tension with Iran. The projectile was intercepted successfully, with no damage and no casualties. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree claimed responsibility, saying missiles were fired at “sensitive targets in Jaffa.” The group said it would respond to any Israeli action with escalation.

The Houthis have also declared a total ban on Israeli vessels passing through the Red Sea, saying any Israeli movement there is a military target. Those statements followed their entry into the conflict several months ago during Operation