On August 28, 2025, an Israeli airstrike in Sanaa struck a meeting of the Houthi government, killing Ahmed Ghaleb al-Rahawi, the prime minister of Yemen's Houthi-run administration, along with several key ministers. This marks the highest-level Houthi casualty since the start of the Israeli–U.S. campaign against the group.

Israeli authorities described the operation as a precision strike on military leadership, targeting figures behind Houthi missile attacks on Israel and operations against Red Sea shipping.


Ahmed Ghaleb al-Rahawi
Ahmed Ghaleb al-Rahawi


Historical & Political Context


Al-Rahawi’s Role: Appointed in August 2024, al-Rahawi led the “Government of Change and Construction,” a Houthi-government body in Sanaa. Though symbolically important, he was not part of the group's inner military leadership.

Yemen’s Divided Authority: Internationally, the Houthi administration is not recognized as Yemen's legitimate governing authority. The country remains split between the Houthi-controlled north and the UN-backed government in Aden.

Escalating Conflict: Since October 2023, the Houthis—backed by Iran—have launched missile and drone strikes against Israel and naval attacks in the Red Sea, purportedly in solidarity with Palestinians. Israel, in response, has escalated military strikes within Houthi-held territories.


Implications and Impact


Strategic Blow to Houthi Administration: Houthi leader Mahdi al-Mashat denounced the strike as a grave loss and pledged retaliation, calling on supporters to continue resistance and urging foreign companies to avoid Israel.

Command Reshuffle: Muhammad Ahmed Miftah, the deputy prime minister, has assumed the role of acting prime minister as of August 30, 2025.

Shift in Israeli Strategy: Analysts note that the strike signals a change from targeting infrastructure to decapitating leadership, raising concerns over destabilization within Houthi command.


FAQs

Q1: Who was Ahmed al-Rahawi, and why did his death matter?
A1: Al-Rahawi served as the prime minister of the Houthi-run government since August 2024. While largely ceremonial, his killing signaled a significant symbolic and operational impact on Houthi administration.

Q2: How did Israel justify the strike?
A2: The Israeli Defense Forces said the operation was aimed at Houthi military and strategic leadership, in response to repeated missile and naval operations against Israel.

Q3: Who has taken over leadership in the Houthi government?
A3: Deputy PM Muhammad Ahmed Miftah has stepped in as acting prime minister, according to official Houthi appointments on August 30, 2025.

Q4: What might follow this airstrike politically?
A4: The Houthis have vowed vengeance. The incident may escalate tensions in the Red Sea corridor and deepen regional instability amid the broader Middle East conflict.