Israeli Airstrike Kills Houthi Prime Minister in Sanaa

Sanaa, August 30, 2025 — Yemen’s Houthi rebels announced that their Prime Minister, Ahmed Ghaleb al-Rahawi, was killed in an Israeli airstrike on the capital city of Sanaa, along with several cabinet ministers. The strike, which took place on Thursday afternoon, targeted a government complex where senior Houthi officials were meeting.

Details of the Strike

The Israeli military said it carried out a “precise strike” against what it described as a Houthi terrorist regime target. According to reports, the missile strike hit a workshop and meeting facility in Sanaa where al-Rahawi and other senior figures were gathered.

Houthi officials confirmed that al-Rahawi, who had been serving as prime minister since August 2024, was killed instantly. The group added that several other ministers and advisers also died in the strike, while others were wounded. The exact number of casualties remains unclear, as the site was heavily damaged.

At the time of the strike, some government officials were watching a televised speech by Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi.

Immediate Aftermath

Following the attack, Houthi authorities declared a period of mourning and condemned the strike as a violation of Yemeni sovereignty. State-run media in Sanaa broadcast tributes to al-Rahawi, describing him as a “martyr of resistance.”

The Houthis confirmed that Deputy Prime Minister Muhammad Ahmad Ahmad Miftah will temporarily take over the duties of prime minister while a successor is chosen.

Israel has not released details on how it identified the gathering, but military analysts suggest the strike reflects an improvement in Israeli intelligence capabilities within Yemen.

Background on Ahmed al-Rahawi

Ahmed Ghaleb al-Rahawi, 57, was appointed prime minister in August 2024 when the Houthis formed what they called the “Government of Change and Construction.” While the real power in the movement is concentrated in the hands of Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, al-Rahawi served as the highest-ranking civilian figure in the group’s administration.

He was regarded as a technocrat who helped coordinate governance in Houthi-controlled areas but had little influence over military operations. His killing nonetheless marks the most senior Houthi political figure to be eliminated since the conflict escalated last year.

Strategic Significance

The strike signals a shift in Israeli tactics. Until recently, most operations targeted Houthi missile sites, drone facilities, and infrastructure. By striking senior political leaders, Israel appears to be expanding its campaign to disrupt the group’s internal leadership.

Military observers say the move is both symbolic and strategic. Although al-Rahawi was not a military commander, his death delivers a psychological blow to the Houthis and could complicate their political decision-making.

Regional Context

The Houthis, who control much of northern Yemen including Sanaa, have been engaged in escalating confrontations with Israel and Western allies. Since late 2023, they have launched missile and drone attacks on Israeli territory and targeted international shipping routes in the Red Sea, saying the actions are in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

In response, Israel and the United States have intensified their strikes on Houthi positions in Yemen. The air campaign has destroyed missile sites, drone launch pads, and supply networks, but until now, few top Houthi leaders had been directly targeted.

Reactions and Possible Consequences

Houthi Response: The group vowed retaliation, saying the killing would not deter its military operations. Officials in Sanaa promised to “escalate attacks” on Israeli and allied targets.

Israel’s Position: The Israeli military described the strike as part of its ongoing effort to defend itself against cross-border attacks and secure international shipping routes.

Regional Concerns: Observers warn that the attack could trigger further instability in the Red Sea, where maritime trade routes remain vulnerable.

Analysts note that the assassination of a sitting prime minister in a conflict zone is rare and could intensify international attention on the Yemeni front of the wider Middle East conflict.

Looking Ahead

The death of Ahmed al-Rahawi raises questions about how the Houthis will reorganize their leadership and whether internal divisions might emerge. While the movement’s military structure remains intact, the loss of a top civilian leader could complicate governance in areas under Houthi control.

For Israel, the strike demonstrates an ability to target senior figures far from its borders. Some analysts suggest more such operations may follow, aimed at reducing the Houthis’ political and military capacity.

Meanwhile, international observers fear that the escalation will prolong instability in Yemen and heighten risks for global trade through the Red Sea, a waterway critical for oil and goods shipments.