IDF confirms deaths of 12 Houthi ministers in Yemen airstrikes

However, Defence Minister Muhammed al-Atifi, who is understood to have been a key target of the strikes, is not believed to be among the casualties.

And neither are Interior Minister Abd al-Karim al-Houthi, Deputy Prime Minister Mohammed Miftah nor Abdul al-Houthi himself.

An IDF spokesperson said: “

"In regards to the IDF strike carried out last Thursday in the Sanaa area [in Yemen], it can now be confirmed that 12 senior officials of the Houthi Terrorist Regime were eliminated.

"The strike targeted a military facility used by the senior military command, where senior military figures, alongside government ministers, were present and directly involved in directing and managing terror activities against Israel.

"In addition to direct attacks on the State of Israel, the Houthis continuously carry out terrorist operations in the Red Sea area, aiming to disrupt international shipping lanes and undermine freedom of navigation in the region which led to widespread economic consequences.

"The Houthi Terrorist Regime serves as a central proxy of the Iranian regime, which provides it with funding and weapons for terror activities against the State of Israel and other countries.”

The confirmation comes after a British MP seemingly confused the Houthis, designated a terrorist group by the US but not the UK, with the internationally recognised government of Yemen.

Kim Johnson, MP for Liverpool Waverly, incorrectly claimed in the Commons that Israel had “killed Yemen’s prime minister” and “caused widespread devastation”.

“What steps has the government taken to support Yemen in achieving peace, reconstruction and development, and in ending the humanitarian crisis?” she added.

While the Houthis do exercise power over some areas of Yemen, they are fighting a civil war against the recognised government, led by Prime Minister Salem Saleh bin Braik – who remains very much alive – and backed by a Saudi-led coalition of nations.

Johnson had to be gently corrected by her own front bench, with Middle East Minister Hamish Falconer replying: “Let me clarify that we believe that it is the Houthi prime minister, rather than the Yemeni prime minister, who has recently been struck. The Houthis, as the House knows, are a threat not just to the people of Yemen and to the region, but to international shipping.

"I have engaged closely with the Yemeni government, including with both the previous Yemeni prime minister and the current Yemeni prime minister, who I am happy to report is still alive.”

Other Labour figures were more forthright in their criticism of Johnson.

Labour Friends of Israel Director Michael Rubin told the JC: “The antisemitic Iranian-backed Houthis have launched unprovoked attacks on Israel and international shipping since the October 7 attacks.

“This government is rightly doing its part to support Israel and deter this terroristic menace. These basic facts should be familiar to all parliamentarians and certainly to those who choose to offer their opinions to ministers on such a regular basis.”

And another Labour MP, who asked to remain anonymous, added: "It's excruciatingly embarrassing watching some colleagues on the left of the party parade their total ignorance about the Middle East in the chamber. Hamish Falconer's patience dealing with these buffoons is exemplary.”