Sanaa: The Houthis confirmed on Saturday that al-Rahawi, who had served as prime minister since August 2024, died in a precision strike on Thursday while attending a government workshop. Several ministers were also reported killed in the attack. Eyewitnesses said the strike hit as officials gathered to review government performance for the past year.

The Israeli military claimed responsibility, saying it had “precisely struck a Houthi terrorist regime military target in the area of Sanaa.” The Houthis, meanwhile, denounced the strike as part of Israel’s broader campaign against groups allied with Hamas in Gaza.

The Houthis have launched dozens of missiles and drones toward Israel since the Gaza war began, with most intercepted or destroyed mid-air. They have also targeted international shipping in the Red Sea, drawing heavy retaliatory strikes from Israel and a U.S.-led coalition. Earlier this week, Israeli strikes on Sanaa killed at least 10 and wounded over 100, according to Houthi health officials.

The attack on al-Rahawi comes amid ongoing regional turbulence, as the Houthis insist their campaign is in solidarity with Palestinians. While Israel has previously disabled key infrastructure in Yemen, including Sanaa’s airport, this is the first time a senior figure in the Houthi political leadership has been publicly confirmed killed by Israeli fire.