Katz says Houthi leadership only look out for themselves, neglecting citizens, after reports of them fleeing Sanaa

Defense Minister Israel Katz comments on reports of the remaining Houthi leadership fleeing Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, accusing them of prioritizing their own safety while abandoning civilians.

His comments come after Israel carried out a strike on Houthi leadership last week that killed several senior officials, including the group’s chief of staff and defense minister.

According to Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat, the remaining Houthi leadership is currently in an “unprecedented state of confusion and panic” after the strike on the cabinet meeting.

Several senior leaders reportedly fled Sanaa to rural areas in northern Yemen, while their families were moved to secure locations. Houthi officials have also instructed senior members to avoid government buildings or public gatherings, fearing further Israeli strikes.

“Like all leaders of extremist Islamist terror, they look after themselves and abandon the residents,” Katz writes on X, drawing a comparison to Hamas officials “in Gaza and in luxury hotels in Qatar” and now “the Houthis in Yemen.”

“We knew how to hunt them this time — and we will know how to do so in the future,” he adds.