Israel Warns of Potential Retaliation Against Yemen’s Houthis with Historical Military Measures

Israel Threatens ’10 Plagues’ Against Yemen‘s Houthis Following Missile Strikes

September 4, 2025

Jerusalem – Israel’s Defence Minister has pledged a response evoking ancient scripture after recent missile launches originating from Yemen. The escalating conflict follows the assassination of a prominent Yemeni leader and signifies a dangerous turn in regional instability. Minister Israel Katz’s strong words signal a potential intensification of the ongoing clashes.

Escalating Tensions and Retaliatory Attacks

The assertive statement from Israel Katz was delivered via social media on Thursday, responding to reports of renewed missile attacks launched by the Iran-aligned Houthi rebels. The Houthi movement has cited the recent killing of prime Minister Ahmed Ghaleb al-Rahawi and other key officials as justification for the retaliatory strikes. Katz, in a post written in Hebrew, declared that the “Houthis are firing missiles at Israel again,” and ominously warned, “A plague of darkness, a plague of the firstborn – we will complete all 10 plagues.”

Earlier the same day, the Israeli Defence Forces reported that a missile originating from Yemen impacted territory outside of Israel’s borders. This followed an interception of two Houthi missiles the previous day, signifying an increasing frequency of attacks. The Houthis formally claimed responsibility for an attack earlier this week that targeted the Scarlet Ray, an israeli-owned tanker transiting the red Sea – a crucial waterway for international commerce.

A Biblical Reference and its Significance

Katz’s invocation of the “10 plagues” references the catastrophic events described in the Biblical Book of Exodus, where a series of disasters were inflicted upon Egypt to compel the pharaoh to release the Israelites from slavery. The allusion serves as a powerful and symbolic threat, highlighting the severity of Israel’s potential response.

Houthi Attacks and Regional Impact

Since the outbreak of the Gaza conflict in October 2023, the Houthi group has consistently launched drone and missile attacks against Israel, explicitly framing these actions as a exhibition of support for the palestinian cause.Beyond attacks directed at Israel, the Houthis have actively disrupted international shipping lanes in the Red Sea, prompting a significant military response from the United States earlier in 2025.

A ceasefire brokered by Oman in May temporarily halted the U.S. bombing campaign in Yemen. However, the Houthis stipulated that the ceasefire did not extend to operations targeting Israel, and attacks have continued, demonstrating the limits of the agreement.Israel has reciprocated with multiple strikes within Yemen, specifically targeting ports controlled by the Houthi rebels and the capital city, sanaa.

Event	Date
Assassination of Prime Minister al-Rahawi	August 31, 2025
Houthi Missile Attack on Scarlet Ray	September 2, 2025
Israel Defence Minister’s Threat	September 4, 2025

Did You Know? The Red Sea carries approximately 12% of global trade, making disruptions in the area a significant concern for the international economy.

Pro tip: Understanding the historical and religious contexts of statements like those made by Minister Katz can offer vital insight into the political and diplomatic strategies at play in the region.

The Evolving Dynamics of the Yemen Conflict

The conflict in yemen is deeply rooted in a complex web of regional power struggles, sectarian divisions, and economic hardships. The Houthi movement, a Zaidi Shia Muslim group, has long been a significant force in Yemeni politics. Their rise to prominence has been fueled by grievances over political marginalization and economic inequality. The involvement of external actors, such as Iran and Saudi Arabia, has further exacerbated the conflict, turning it into a proxy war with far-reaching consequences. The ongoing instability in Yemen presents a humanitarian crisis of immense scale, with millions of Yemenis facing starvation and disease, according to the United Nations. The situation demands a sustained and complete diplomatic effort to achieve a lasting peace.

frequently Asked Questions About the Israel-Houthi Conflict

• What is the main reason for the Houthi attacks on Israel? The Houthis say their attacks are in support of Palestinians and against Israel’s actions in Gaza.
• What are the “10 plagues” referenced by the Israeli Defence Minister? These are the disasters inflicted on Egypt as told in the Book of Exodus.
• What role does Iran play in the Yemen conflict? Iran is a key supporter of the Houthi rebels,providing them with weapons and financial assistance.
• How has the US been involved in the Yemen conflict? The U.S. launched attacks against Houthi targets earlier this year, but paused daily bombing under a ceasefire brokered by Oman.
• Is the ceasefire between the US and Houthis still in effect? The ceasefire does not cover attacks against Israel, and the Houthis have continued to launch missiles toward Israel.

What are yoru thoughts on the increasing tensions between Israel and the Houthis? Share your opinions and join the discussion in the comments below.

What potential ramifications could increased Israeli cooperation with international naval forces have on the existing power dynamics in the Red Sea?

Escalating Tensions: A looming Response?

Recent warnings from Israeli officials signal a potential escalation in the conflict with Yemen’s Houthi rebels. These statements come amidst heightened regional instability and follow reported Israeli military actions within Yemen. The core issue revolves around Houthi activities perceived as threats to Israeli and international shipping lanes, notably in the Red Sea. Understanding the historical context of Israeli military responses is crucial to assessing the likely nature of any forthcoming retaliation.

Recent Israeli Actions in Yemen: September 29, 2024

On September 29, 2024, Israel conducted airstrikes targeting ports in Houthi-controlled Yemen, specifically Al Hudaydah and Ras isa. [1] These attacks, executed using F-15I, F-35I Adir, and F-16I aircraft, represent a important escalation in direct Israeli military involvement within Yemen. The stated objective was to disrupt houthi capabilities related to maritime threats.

Targeted Infrastructure: The strikes focused on port infrastructure believed to be used for weapons storage and launching platforms.

Aircraft Involved: The deployment of advanced aircraft like the F-35I Adir highlights the seriousness with which Israel views the Houthi threat.

Strategic Significance: Al Hudaydah and ras Isa are vital ports for Yemen, and targeting them carries significant humanitarian implications.

Historical Precedents: Israel’s Military Response Patterns

Israel has a history of responding to perceived threats with decisive military action. Examining past operations provides insight into potential strategies for retaliation against the Houthis.

Operation Opera (1981): The iraqi Nuclear Reactor

This preemptive strike against Iraq’s Osirak nuclear reactor demonstrated Israel’s willingness to take unilateral action to eliminate perceived existential threats, even within another country’s territory. While the situation in Yemen differs, it showcases a willingness to act proactively.

Operation Orchard (2007): The Syrian Nuclear Program

Similar to Operation Opera, the destruction of the Syrian nuclear facility underscored Israel’s commitment to preventing the advancement of advanced weaponry by regional adversaries. This operation highlights a pattern of targeting specific military assets.

Gaza Operations (Various): Targeted Strikes & Ground Incursions

Numerous military operations in Gaza, such as Operation Protective Edge (2014) and Operation Guardian of the Walls (2021), demonstrate Israel’s use of both targeted airstrikes and ground incursions in response to rocket fire and other perceived security threats. These operations often involve a phased approach, starting with aerial bombardment followed by potential ground troop deployment.

Potential Retaliation Scenarios: What could Israel Do?

Based on historical precedents and the current situation, several retaliation scenarios are possible:

1. Expanded Airstrikes: A continuation and expansion of the September 29th attacks, targeting a wider range of Houthi military assets, including radar installations, missile launch sites, and command-and-control centers.
2. Naval Blockade: A tightening of the naval blockade around Yemen, aimed at preventing the flow of weapons and supplies to the Houthis. This could involve increased Israeli naval presence in the Red Sea.
3. Cyber Warfare: Targeted cyberattacks against Houthi infrastructure, disrupting communications and logistical networks.
4. Support for Anti-Houthi Forces: Increased support – perhaps including intelligence sharing and logistical assistance – to forces opposing the Houthis within Yemen.
5. Limited Ground Operations (Less Likely): While less probable due to the complexities of operating in Yemen, a limited ground operation targeting specific strategic objectives cannot be entirely ruled out.

The Red Sea & Maritime Security: A Key focus

The Houthis’ threats to commercial shipping in the Red Sea are a primary driver of Israeli concern. Disruptions to this vital waterway have global economic implications. Israel is likely to prioritize actions that safeguard maritime traffic.

Bab-el-Mandeb Strait: Protecting the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, a crucial chokepoint connecting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, will be a key objective.

International Cooperation: Israel may seek increased cooperation with international naval forces patrolling the Red Sea to enhance maritime security.

Anti-Ship Missile Capabilities: Neutralizing Houthi anti-ship missile capabilities is paramount to ensuring the safety of commercial vessels.

Implications for Regional Stability

Any Israeli retaliation against the Houthis carries significant risks for regional stability.

Escalation with Iran: The Houthis are backed by Iran, and a direct Israeli attack could trigger a wider conflict involving Iran.

yemen Humanitarian Crisis: Further military action could exacerbate the already dire humanitarian crisis in Yemen.

* Increased Regional Polarization: The conflict could deepen existing divisions within the region, potentially drawing in other actors.

[1]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/29September2024IsraeliattacksonYemen