Defence Minister Israel Katz on Tuesday said that Israel will begin targeting leaders of Yemen’s Houthi rebel group and vowed that Israel will not allow missile and drone fire to continue unchecked, a

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz admitted on Monday for the first time publicly to Israel's killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran in July, further risking tensions between Tehran and its arch-enemy Israel in a region shaken by Israel's war in Gaza and the conflict in Lebanon.

The Iranian-backed Houthi rebels have escalated their missile and drone offensives against Israel throughout the war. A missile launched on Saturday struck Tel Aviv, injuring at least 16 people. In response, Israel has conducted three rounds of airstrikes in Yemen, aiming to cripple the Houthis' operational capabilities.

In a recent speech, Israel, for the first time has confirmed killing of Hamas' Haniyeh and has threatened similar action against Houthi rebel group of Yemen.

Ismail Haniyeh was Hamas's most prominent leader until his death in July.

Israel has officially confirmed the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran in July. This is the first time Israel confessed its role in the incident. The confession may escalate further tension in the region.

In a first, Israel's defense minister Israel Katz confirmed that Israel had assassinated Hamas' top leader Ismail Haniyeh last summer and is threatening to take similar action against the leadership of the Houthi rebel group in Yemen.

According to Iranian state media, an “airborne guided projectile” struck a residence for military veterans where Haniyeh and his bodyguard were staying, killing both. Iranian and Palestinian officials immediately accused Israel of carrying out the attack, though Israeli authorities had not previously confirmed their involvement.

Defence Minister Israel Katz on Monday confirmed Israel’s role in killing Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran in July. This is the first time Israel confessed to assassinating the Hamas leader. The confession may further trigger tension in the Middle East.

After Houthi militants in Yemen fired ballistic missiles in Israel on Tuesday (Dec 24), Defense Minister Israel Katz said that Israel will begin targeting the Houthi rebel group, further vowing that Israel will not allow missile and drone fire on the country.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz publicly acknowledged for the first time on Monday that Israel was responsible for the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran in July.