Defense Ministry Chief Says Iraqi Militias and Houthis Pose a Real Threat to Israel

Defense Ministry Director General Amir Baram warned that militias in Iraq and the Houthis in Yemen present a real threat to Israel despite the distance. He said these actors have the ability to infiltrate Israel by land, making the eastern sector the most sensitive area today from a security standpoint.

Baram’s remarks focused on the regional security challenge posed by Iran-backed forces beyond Israel’s immediate borders. He did not cite a specific incident, but stressed that geography does not prevent these groups from threatening Israel directly.

According to Baram, the eastern arena is currently the most vulnerable, underscoring the need for continued attention to threats emerging from Iraq and Yemen. His warning frames those militias as a present danger rather than a distant or theoretical one.