Tel aviv: Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz on Friday issued a threat to assassinate Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, the leader of Yemen's Houthi group, and declared an intention to raise Israel's flag over Sanaa, the capital of Yemen.

According to Anadolu Agency, Katz made the statement on the US social media platform X, asserting that Abdul-Malik al-Houthi's 'turn is coming' and that he would soon join his government and members of what Katz referred to as the 'axis of evil' in hell. This statement follows the assassination of Houthi Prime Minister Ahmed Ghalib al-Rahawi and several ministers during an attack on Sanaa on August 28.

Katz emphasized that the Houthi flag would be replaced by the Israeli flag, indicating a symbolic gesture of dominance over the Yemeni capital. The August 28 airstrike by Israel in Sanaa resulted in the death of 12 top Houthi officials, including Prime Minister Rahawi.

The Houthis have been active in launching retaliatory attacks against Israel, using missiles and drones to target ships associated with or bound for Israel. These actions are described by the group as a response to Israel's military campaign in Gaza, which began on October 7, 2023.

The ongoing Israeli offensive in Gaza has resulted in more than 65,100 Palestinian casualties, most of whom are women and children. The conflict has also displaced hundreds of thousands, leading to a famine that has claimed at least 435 Palestinian lives, including 147 children.