Israel threatens Iran with similar strikes to those carried out against the Houthis.

In a scene reflecting escalating regional tensions, Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz made fiery statements, threatening Iran with repeating what Israel did to the Houthis in Yemen if the threats continue. These threats came after a series of Israeli airstrikes on Houthi sites, amid indications of a slide towards a broader confrontation. Katz stated in an official statement on Thursday, "What Israel did to the Houthis, we will do to Iran," referring to recent Israeli airstrikes against Houthi targets in Sanaa and Hodeidah in response to attacks on Israeli interests in the Red Sea. The Defense Minister added that "Israel is capable of defending itself with its own strength against any threat and any enemy," emphasizing that his country's policy is based on strong deterrence and direct intervention when necessary. He continued, saying: "What we did to Hezbollah in Beirut, and to Hamas in Gaza, and to Assad in Damascus, and to the Houthis in Yemen - we will also do to you in Tehran," in a notable escalation revealing possible Israeli intentions to directly deter Iran. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed that Israel will not accept any threats to its security, asserting the ability of its army to face challenges, coinciding with a ceasefire agreement announced by Oman between the United States and the Houthi group, calling for a halt to mutual attacks in the Red Sea. However, the Houthi group excluded Israel from this agreement, as leader Abdulmalik al-Ajri stated that "the waterways are safe for all international ships except Israel," adding that Israeli ships "may be targeted" if they pass through those areas. Tensions have escalated in the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea since the Gaza war, where the Houthis targeted ships they claimed were linked to Israel or heading towards it, before expanding their operations to include American and British ships in response to coalition strikes led by Washington at the beginning of 2024. In March 2025, the United States launched an intensive aerial campaign against Houthi sites, including near-daily strikes, while Israel participated in carrying out dozens of airstrikes in recent days. These statements and military movements indicate that the region is on the brink of a new escalation, potentially involving regional and international parties more extensively, in the absence of a clear horizon for calm or settlement.