Israel Prepares for Potential Confrontation With Houthis

Israel is reportedly preparing for a potential direct confrontation with the Houthi movement in Yemen, driven by the group's increasing strength in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait area. According to the Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar, citing American diplomatic sources, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed readiness to join a large-scale military campaign against the Houthis. This potential involvement would be part of broader regional efforts to counter threats to shipping in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

The report emerges amid the Houthis' strengthening positions in western Yemen and growing Israeli concerns over the situation near its coast, particularly the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Israeli intelligence has been monitoring Houthi activities, especially after their control of the port of Al Mukha, according to Maariv. Israel fears that further consolidation of the group's influence could pose significant risks to commercial shipping and oil routes.

In response to these perceived threats, Israel is signaling its willingness to act against hostile groups far from its borders. The Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces, Eyal Zamir, stated that Israel will not permit the formation of new existential threats or allow hostile groups to establish themselves near its borders.

Concurrently, the IDF recently concluded large-scale exercises for its 80th Division near Eilat. These drills simulated scenarios involving mass infiltrations by Houthi and Iran-aligned militants into the city from sea, air, and land. The exercises also included training for responses to potential hostage situations and the seizure of civilian facilities such as hotels, commercial centers, and educational institutions.