Jerusalem, August 25, 2025 — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday issued a stern warning to Houthi rebels in Yemen after Israeli forces launched fresh strikes on their positions. Netanyahu said the Houthis were “paying a very heavy price” for targeting Israel and vowed that operations would continue until the group ceased its attacks.

The development comes amid escalating tensions in the Red Sea region, where Houthi forces have repeatedly launched drones and missiles at Israel and international shipping lanes. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that its latest airstrikes targeted Houthi military infrastructure, including warehouses and launch pads. Officials said the strikes were carried out in coordination with regional partners to ensure freedom of navigation in the waters surrounding the Arabian Peninsula.

Netanyahu, addressing a press briefing, said Israel “will not tolerate threats to its security or to global trade routes.” He accused Iran of backing the Houthis and warned that Tehran’s involvement would “further destabilize the region.”

Meanwhile, Yemen’s Houthi-run media confirmed the airstrikes but claimed civilian areas were also affected, a charge Israel denied. Independent verification of the claims remains limited due to restricted access to conflict zones.

The United Nations has expressed concern over the rising hostilities, urging restraint on both sides and warning that continued escalation could worsen the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.

The U.S. and other Western nations have also called for de-escalation, emphasizing the need to protect Red Sea trade routes critical to global energy supplies.