Israel confirmed on Thursday that it launched an attack on a Houthi location in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, marking the second such operation within a week.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed that the Houthis were operating under Iran’s guidance, intending to harm both Israel and its partners. The IDF accused the Houthis of “destabilizing the region and obstructing global navigation freedoms.” 

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir watch as the IDF carries out strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen.

Last Sunday, Israel struck Yemen’s capital following missile launches by the Houthis. This attack resulted in six fatalities and 86 injuries, according to a spokesperson from the Houthi Health Ministry, cited by Reuters.

The hostilities between Israel and the Houthis have persisted for almost two years. After Hamas’ assault on October 7, which led to the deaths of many civilians, the Iran-supported faction warned of potential strikes on Israel. Following the Hamas attacks, the Houthis fired rockets and drones at Israel, but these were intercepted by U.S. forces stationed on the USS Carney.

People stand outside a fuel station one day after it was hit by Israeli airstrikes in Sanaa, Yemen, Aug. 25, 2025.  (Stringer/Reuters)

Since those events, Israel has reacted to Houthi missile fire by targeting territories under Houthi control in Yemen, including the Hodeidah port.

The Houthi aggression towards Israel has continued unabated, with the group expressing support for Palestinians in Gaza. On August 22, Reuters reported that the Houthis announced they launched a ballistic missile at Israel to show solidarity with Gaza.