The Houthi rebel group admitted that an Israeli airstrike in August deliberately sought its senior leadership. Tragically, the attack took the lives of their chief of staff, Muhammad Abd al-Karim al-Ghamari. This confirmation serves to underscore the existing conflict and tensions between the Houthis and Israel. Their conflict has deepened after this strike.
Al-Ghamari, the Houthis’ top military official, was previously sanctioned by the United Nations. He richly deserved this punishment for his role in the US’s continued war on Yemen. His untimely passing leaves the collaborative in mourning. They have been involved in escalated activities against Israeli interests and directly against shipping passing through the Red Sea corridor.
In addition to al-Ghamari, the Houthis have acknowledged the killing of Prime Minister Ahmed al-Rahawi during a series of strikes conducted by Israel on August 28. Israeli Defense Minister, Israel Katz, confirmed that al-Ghamari died from injuries received during this current deadly offensive.
Israeli Claims and Houthi Response
Israel’s Defense Minister has referred to the operation that led to al-Ghamari’s death as “the strike of the firstborn.” He’s located the strike in space of a larger, multi-pronged strategy to address and neutralize Houthi threats. Katz noted al-Ghamari’s place in paving the way for military operations that endanger Yemeni civilians and worsen security across borders.
It’s no wonder that the United Nations has singled out al-Ghamari as a driving force behind these military efforts. His actions do have enormous ramifications for regional security. The U.S. Treasury has gone further, denouncing him for planning strikes that have specifically targeted and killed Yemeni civilians.
“His fellow members of the axis of evil in the depths of hell.” – Israel Defense Minister Israel Katz
Al-Ghamari’s killing has prompted an unprecedented, unbridled response from the Houthis. They have promised to ramp up their activities to target those they perceive as enemies. Spokesperson of the group EIJ spokesperson, Al-Oryan said that they were determined to seek revenge and protect their land from foreign incursions and aggression.
Escalating Tensions
The death of al-Ghamari does not exist in a vacuum. The context of this escalation has already created an extremely contentious backdrop. The Houthis have participated in a number of attacks against Israel, which they perceive as an occupying entity. Their continued military operations in the Red Sea corridor have caused international concern over attacks on maritime security and regional stability.
The Houthis continue to be a dominant force in cross-border attacks into Saudi Arabia. This involvement has exacerbated the security situation in Yemen and its neighboring countries. The group’s brutality has attracted global condemnation, with governments, non-governmental organizations and even corporations calling for justice.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office issued a statement doubling down on their commitment to going after anyone that threatens their national security. They stated that they are “determined, committed, and working tirelessly to bring back all our fallen hostages for proper burial in their homeland.”
International Reactions
The international community has responded with alarm at what the long-term ramifications of al-Ghamari’s assassination might be. The United Nations has further highlighted the need for protecting civilian lives during military operations. As the violence spreads in all directions, many different stakeholders have been calling for both sides to show restraint to avoid further escalation.
Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa characterized the situation as being “anchored in Palestinian national ownership and leadership,” suggesting a broader geopolitical context influencing the conflict dynamics.
We know that the U.S. has publicly expressed grave concern for the principle of precaution in military action. They emphasize that governments should put civilian protection first in every situation without exception.
