Israel acknowledges killing Haniyeh in Tehran and warns Yemen's Houthi leaders of similar fate

Israeli Defence Minister claimed Israel helped topple Syria's regime

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has confirmed Israel’s role in the assassination of Hamas leader Haniyeh in Tehran in July. AP

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Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz acknowledged on Monday that Israel assassinated the former Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran in July this year, threatening to similarly eradicate the top leaders of Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.

“We will strike (the Houthis’) strategic infrastructure and cut off the head of the leadership,” Mr Katz said.

“Just like we did to Haniyeh, Sinwar and Nasrallah in Tehran, Gaza and Lebanon, we will do in Hodeidah and Sanaa,” added Mr Katz in the first public acknowledgment of Israel's involvement.

The minister also claimed that Israel helped topple Syria president Bashar Al Assad and destroyed Iran’s anti-aircraft systems.

Mr Haniyeh was killed in an explosion in a guesthouse in Tehran, a day after he attended the inauguration of Iranian President Masoud Pezheshkian. Iran and Hamas had blamed Israel for his death, who before the minister's comments had never confirmed or denied it was behind the killing.

On September 27, Israel killed Hassan Nasrallah in a Beirut bombing, and Mr Haniyeh's successor Yahya Sinwar, considered the mastermind behind the October 7 attack on southern Israel last year, was also killed in Gaza on October 16.

Mr Katz said the Houthis, who continue to launch missiles and drones at Israel in support of Palestinians, will meet the same fate as other members of Iran’s proxy militia in the region.

The Houthis have also attacked commercial shipping lines in the Red Sea crippling global maritime trade since the start of the Gaza war.

Protesters, mainly Houthi supporters, hold weapons as they rally to show support to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, in Sanaa, Yemen December 20, 2024. REUTERS / Khaled Abdullah

The Israeli military on Tuesday said it had intercepted a projectile fired from Yemen after air raid sirens sounded in the centre and southern Israel.

“Following the sirens that sounded a short while ago, a projectile that was launched from Yemen was intercepted before crossing into Israeli territory,” the Israeli army said on Telegram.

“Rocket and missile sirens were sounded following the possibility of falling shrapnel from the interception.”

Last week, the Houthis fired two missiles at Israel, including one that injured 16 people in the commercial hub of Tel Aviv on Saturday.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had vowed to destroy the infrastructure of the Houthis, and Israeli warplanes retaliated against ports and energy infrastructure in Yemen.

“Anyone who raises a hand against Israel will have his hand cut off, and the long arm of the IDF (Israeli military) will strike him and hold him accountable,” Mr Katz said, according to a statement issued by his ministry.

Houthis confirm missile attack on central Israel

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