Houthi

Israel Vows to Continue Strikes Against Houthis, Threatens Top Leaders

In a forceful statement, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Katz has confirmed that Israel will persist in its attacks against Yemen’s Houthi rebels and warned that top Houthis leaders could face the same fate as Hamas and Hezbollah chiefs recently killed in Israeli operations.

"Just like we decapitated Hamas’ Haniyeh, Sinwar, and Hezbollah’s Nasrallah in Gaza, Lebanon, and Tehran, we will do the same in Hodeida and Sanaa," Katz declared, according to a report by AFP on Tuesday, December 24, 2024.

Katz made these comments at a defense ministry event, marking the first public confirmation that Israel was behind the assassination of Hamas political chief Haniyeh in Tehran last July. While Israel has maintained silence on the matter, Iran and Hamas have accused Israel of the fatal bombing.

Haniyeh, who was considered a key figure in Hamas’ negotiation efforts for a ceasefire in Gaza, was killed at a Tehran residence on July 31, reportedly due to an explosive device planted by Israeli agents weeks earlier. He had attended the inauguration of Iran’s new president, Masoud Pezeshkian, the previous day.

On September 27, Israel targeted and killed Hezbollah secretary-general Nasrallah in an airstrike in Beirut, followed by the assassination of incoming Hamas leader, Sinwar, in Gaza on October 16. Israeli officials have stated that Sinwar had directed a Hamas assault on Israel on October 7, 2023, which sparked the ongoing Gaza conflict.

Katz also warned that any entity opposing Israel would face serious consequences. "Those who fight Israel will have their hands cut off, and IDF will strike and hold them accountable," he added.

The minister’s strong stance reflects Israel’s commitment to countering regional threats, with a particular focus on the Houthis, who have been backed by Israel’s arch-nemesis, Iran. As the conflict in Yemen and the Middle East at large continues to escalate, Israel’s determination to assert its influence and combat perceived threats is becoming increasingly apparent.

Iran‘s Khamenei Denies Needing ‘Proxy Forces,’ Warns U.S. on Syria

In a robust denial of Western claims, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has asserted that the Islamic Republic neither possesses nor requires "proxy forces" to achieve its objectives in the region.

Addressing a gathering of religious speakers on Sunday to commemorate the birthday of Hazrat Fatemeh Zahra (SA), the granddaughter of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), Ayatollah Khamenei stated, "The enemy consistently claims that the Islamic Republic has lost its regional proxies—this is another false claim! The Islamic Republic has no proxy forces."

Countering allegations that Iran’s influence is waning, the Leader expressed confidence in the resilience of resistance groups, highlighting their motivation as driven by conviction rather than any external influence.

"A look at the history of the confrontation shows that the enemies, particularly the U.S. and its allies, have been defeated at every stage," Ayatollah Khamenei said, as reported by Press TV. He emphasized that the U.S. and its allies are mistaken in thinking that the resistance has been defeated.

Touching on the situation in Syria, the Leader predicted the emergence of a strong and respected institution in the country. He criticized U.S. efforts to dominate nations, depicting them as either seeking to impose dictatorships or incite unrest and chaos, as witnessed in Syria.

"America, the Zionist regime, and their allies mistakenly believe that they have emerged victorious, leading them to make absurd statements," Ayatollah Khamenei said, referring to a recent statement by a U.S. official seemingly offering support to any force that provokes unrest in Iran.

The Supreme Leader issued a stark warning to those considering aligning with the U.S. in its endeavors against Iran, declaring, "The Iranian nation will trample upon anyone who acts as a mercenary for the U.S. in this matter."

We Will Eliminate Their Leaders, Like Haniyeh and Sinwar

Why Iran Doesn’t Need Proxies, Like Hezbollah and Houthi