Mohammed Ali, a university graduate in Sanaa, said Israel is "an expert assassin" and its attack on the Yemeni officials in the capital was not unusual.

Standing near al-Sabeen square and holding a large photo of the slain prime minister, Ahmed al-Rahawi, he told Middle East Eye, "I am not sad because Israel struck Yemen. But the killing of so many officials at once saddens me. It was our officials’ mistake. They did not take adequate precautionary measures."

Ali believes Israel is seeking to destabilise governorates under Houthi control by targeting officials and bombing vital infrastructure, including petrol stations and electricity facilities.

"Life in Sanaa or elsewhere in Houthi-run governorates goes on as normal," he said. "Public institutions continue to operate, and private businesses remain functional. Israeli assassinations have not robbed us of our stability."