Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a stark warning to Iran on Thursday, declaring that Israel will respond to Tehran in the same way it has dealt with Hamas in Gaza. The statement follows a recent missile attack on Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport, claimed by Iran-backed Huthi rebels in Yemen.
“I warn… Iranian leaders who finance, arm, and exploit the Huthi terrorist organization: the proxy system is terminated, and the axis of evil has collapsed,” Katz said in a strongly worded statement.
He added, “You are directly responsible. What we have done to Hezbollah in Beirut, to Hamas in Gaza, and to (now ousted Syrian president Bashar) Assad in Damascus, we will do to you in Tehran too.”
The warning comes amid escalating tensions involving Iran’s network of regional allies—known as the “axis of resistance”—which includes Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Huthi movement. These groups oppose Israel and its principal ally, the United States.
Hezbollah began launching attacks against Israel in October 2023 in solidarity with Hamas, following the group’s large-scale incursion into southern Israel on October 7. That attack triggered a devastating Israeli military response in Gaza, which Israel claims has significantly weakened Hamas’s leadership and infrastructure.
Israel also claims it has effectively neutralized Hezbollah’s capabilities in Lebanon after a year of conflict that culminated in a truce in November.
On Sunday, the Huthis launched a missile strike targeting Israel’s main international airport near Tel Aviv. The group said the attack was in support of Palestinians in Gaza. Iran has denied direct involvement in the Huthis’ operation.
In response, Israel launched retaliatory strikes on the airport in Yemen’s Huthi-controlled capital, Sanaa, as well as on nearby power infrastructure.
Despite a ceasefire deal brokered by Oman between the United States and the Huthis—aimed at ensuring “freedom of navigation” in the Red Sea—the rebel group has pledged to continue targeting Israeli interests. They have previously disrupted maritime traffic in the region as part of their campaign against Israel.
“The Huthis have vowed to continue targeting Israel and Israeli ships in the Red Sea despite the deal that ended weeks of intense US strikes on Yemen,” the report noted.
