Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz issued a stern warning on Thursday, December 19, stating that Israel’s “long arm” would reach the leaders of Yemen's Houthi group, which is internationally designated as a terrorist organization.

In a video posted on his account on the social media platform "X" (formerly Twitter), Gallant declared:
"I have warned the leaders of the Houthi terrorists that Israel’s long arm will reach them. Anyone who raises their hand against Israel will have it cut off." He added, "We will strike with full force and will not allow any threat to Israel."

The statement followed a series of Israeli airstrikes early Thursday morning targeting Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, including the capital Sana’a, the port city of Hudaydah, and Ras Isa Port on the western coast. Houthi media reported that the strikes in Sana’a hit power stations in the neighborhoods of Hizziz and Dhahban, killing nine people.

Meanwhile, Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee confirmed in a statement on "X" that the airstrikes had been approved in advance by the defense minister. He said Israeli Air Force warplanes, in coordination with naval and intelligence units, carried out the strikes targeting "military installations" of the Houthi regime in western Yemen and deeper inland.

Adraee also accused the Houthis of launching repeated attacks against Israel, including drone and surface-to-surface missile strikes, most of which were intercepted successfully. The statement further alleged that the Houthi operations were conducted under the direction and funding of Iran, in collaboration with Iraqi militias, with the goal of destabilizing the region and disrupting international maritime navigation.

The escalating conflict highlights the growing tension between Israel and Iran-backed groups in the Middle East, with Yemen’s Houthis increasingly coming under Israeli scrutiny for their role in the regional power struggle.