Dec 23, (V7N) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged a strong response to Yemen's Huthi rebels after a missile struck Tel Aviv on Saturday, injuring 16 people. This marks the second Huthi attack on Israel this week, escalating tensions amid the ongoing Gaza conflict.

In a video statement, Netanyahu condemned the Huthis as part of Iran's "axis of evil" and warned of severe consequences. He emphasized that Israel would act decisively against the Huthis, as it has against other Iranian-backed groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.

The United States also conducted strikes in Yemen on Saturday, targeting Huthi missile storage facilities in Sanaa and intercepting drones over the Red Sea. US forces reported losing two pilots in what they described as a "friendly fire" incident.

The Huthis, who have intensified their attacks on Israel since the war in Gaza began in October 2023, claim to be acting in solidarity with Palestinians. Netanyahu, however, views the Huthis as a significant threat to international stability and vowed they would face severe repercussions.

This development follows a series of Israeli strikes against Huthi positions in Yemen, part of a broader effort to counter Iranian influence in the region. As the situation escalates, the Huthis join a growing list of adversaries Israel has targeted since the start of the Gazac onflict.

END/WD/RH