IDF Urges Political Solution, Regional Alliance Against Houthi Threats

The Israeli military has recommended that the political echelon refrain from initiating attacks against the Houthis and avoid military actions that would place Israel at the forefront of the conflict. Instead, the IDF advises focusing on political steps, particularly in the wake of the Houthis' control over the Bab al-Mandab strait. Senior IDF officers, in recent closed-door discussions reported by "Haaretz," emphasized the need for political efforts to establish an international and regional coalition.

Israeli military sources believe the Houthi threat extends beyond Israel's immediate concerns, impacting global economic stability and international maritime traffic due to their control over Bab al-Mandab, a critical global trade route. The IDF is preparing for the possibility that Iran might use the Houthis to act directly against Israel if military tensions escalate between Iran and the United States. The military views the Houthi threat not solely in terms of military power but also in their capacity to broaden fronts and disrupt maritime trade, suggesting a limited military response would not be a long-term solution.

The IDF believes that involving numerous countries in addressing the Houthi front and making it an international issue would keep Iran central to global discourse. The Houthis recently seized the city of Al-Mukha and the Hanish Islands near Bab al-Mandab, strategic locations for controlling the strait.

Israeli military sources noted significant concern from Saudi Arabia and Egypt regarding Houthi control of Bab al-Mandab. Egypt fears direct security and economic repercussions for Suez Canal shipping, while Saudi Arabia feels it lacks sufficient U.S. support against Houthi attacks. These concerns, according to Israeli military sources, enhance Egypt's and Saudi Arabia's readiness to join a regional coalition through diplomatic channels.