Israel Contemplates Direct Action Against Iran Amidst Escalation with Houthi Rebels
New Delhi – As Israel continues its military operations in Gaza following the October 2023 Hamas assault, a new front has emerged in the north with Hezbollah and now in Yemen with the Houthi rebels, who have escalated attacks targeting both Israel and U.S.-linked ships in the Red Sea.
Despite managing to weaken Hezbollah in Lebanon and achieving a ceasefire in northern Israel after a significant incident in September, the Houthis have posed a persistent challenge. Their long-range missiles, capable of reaching up to 2,000 kilometers, have notably struck Tel Aviv, causing widespread concern and fear among residents.
The sophistication of these missiles, with their extended fuel capacity, has made them particularly difficult for Israel’s Arrow Missile Defense System to intercept, highlighting a significant strategic issue for Israeli defense planners.
In response, both Israel and the United States have conducted retaliatory strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen, though these efforts have not yet resulted in substantial strategic gains. Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi has vowed to intensify these attacks, drawing comparisons to an ongoing war, according to Yemen鈥檚 Saba News Agency.
Amidst this complex scenario, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has signaled plans to address the Houthi threat directly. However, Mossad Chief David Barnea has suggested a different strategy, advocating for a direct strike on Iran, the perceived sponsor of these regional militias, rather than focusing solely on the Houthis. This recommendation came during a high-level meeting, as reported by Ynet, indicating a potential shift in Israel’s military strategy.
Furthermore, Israeli political sources revealed through Ynet that Netanyahu is attempting to secure U.S. support for a coordinated military operation not only against the Houthis but also against Iran itself. This move underscores Israel’s strategic dilemmas as it navigates multiple fronts in a region fraught with escalating tensions.
The situation remains fluid, with each development potentially reshaping the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.
