Israel Military Advises Against Yemen Strikes, Urges Coalition Building

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have recommended that the Israeli government refrain from preemptive strikes against the Houthi rebels in Yemen. Instead, the military leadership advises focusing efforts on building a broad international and regional coalition to counter the Iran-backed group, which is increasing its control over the Red Sea. The IDF believes Israel should avoid becoming the primary force in a direct armed confrontation with the Houthis.

This recommendation comes amid a significant deterioration of the security situation in the southern Red Sea. The Houthis have recently seized the strategically important port of Mocha, located approximately 80 kilometers from the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, pushing back Saudi-backed government forces. Following the retreat of hundreds of Yemeni soldiers, the group has effectively gained control over key navigational points in the region, including Perim Island and the Hanish archipelago.

Concurrently, the Houthis have launched extensive attacks on Saudi territory, targeting oil facilities of Aramco in Abha, Najran, and Jizan, as well as an airbase in Khamis Mushait. The IDF is also preparing for a scenario where Iran might order the Houthis to directly attack Israel if tensions between Washington and Tehran escalate.

The situation is causing concern among regional neighbors. Egypt fears significant economic losses due to potential reductions in shipping traffic through the Suez Canal. Saudi Arabia is reportedly dissatisfied with the perceived lack of a strong U.S. response to attacks on its infrastructure. Both Cairo and Riyadh have expressed a strong willingness to participate in a regional diplomatic coalition to protect maritime navigation.

On September 15, diplomatic sources reported that the UN Security Council would hold an emergency meeting at 19:00 GMT to discuss the situation near the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait.