Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant issued a stern warning to Yemen’s Houthi militia, declaring that Israel has not said its final word and that the group will pay a heavy price for its attacks.

Speaking at an officer graduation ceremony at the “Bahad 1” military base in southern Israel, Gallant stated:

“The Houthis will pay dearly for their attempts to strike Israel. We haven’t spoken our final word yet.”

The Houthis have ramped up attacks toward Israeli territory and ships in the Red Sea since the war in Gaza began. The group claims the operations are in support of Palestine, while Israel accuses them of acting under Iran’s regional agenda as part of the so-called “Axis of Resistance.”

Analysts say Gallant’s remarks signal the growing likelihood of a broader regional confrontation expanding across the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa.