A large-scale air force operation against the Houthis is planned in the near future. This attack will be significantly more powerful and qualitatively different from previous ones.
Currently, among all of Iran’s “tentacles,” the only one still capable of causing serious trouble for Israel is the Yemeni Houthis. They disrupt the sleep of millions of Israelis almost every night, also causing significant economic damage. This affects not only Israel but also other countries, especially Egypt, which has lost up to half of its Suez Canal revenue due to a sharp decline in Red Sea shipping.
Reports indicate that U.S. naval forces in the Red Sea have nearly ceased intercepting Houthi missiles due to a severe shortage of the necessary type of interceptors. As a result, defense against Houthi attacks has fallen entirely on Israel’s air defense system.
The commander of the Israeli Air Force has stated readiness to increase the intensity of strikes against the Houthis. The government is discussing a proposal from Mossad to punish the Iranian regime directly for Houthi attacks, as Iran supplies them with missiles and drones, provides training, and offers financial and logistical support. However, it appears the government currently leans towards the army’s suggestion to focus retaliatory measures on the Houthis.
Media reports suggest that a large-scale air force operation against the Houthis is planned in the near future. This attack will be significantly more powerful and qualitatively different from previous ones. Israel also continues to gather intelligence on important targets in Yemen and Houthi leadership for targeted eliminations.
Israel prefers to act jointly with the United States.
Defense Minister Israel Katz stated yesterday that “it is necessary to attack in Yemen jointly with the U.S., viewing this as preparation for a joint strike on Iran.”
From our perspective, the current moment is optimal for striking Iran for the following reasons:
1. Election of Trump: The new U.S. president takes a hardline stance against the Iranian regime and has already appointed outspoken supporters of his policy to key positions.
2. Neutralization of Terrorist Forces: The defeat of Hamas and Islamic Jihad in Gaza, along with the arrest or elimination of over 6,000 militants in Judea and Samaria, has led to significant neutralization of terrorist organizations in the region.
3. Weakening of Hezbollah: Iran has lost its main deterrent against Israel. The network of tunnels, Radwan units, and a vast arsenal of rockets, cruise missiles, and drones have either been destroyed or seriously damaged.
4. Retreat of Iraqi Militias: These groups have ceased attacks on Israel, fearing disarmament.
5. Loss of Syrian Military Power: The Syrian army, especially its air force and air defense systems, has essentially ceased to exist.
6. Elimination of Iran’s Long-Range Air Defenses: All such systems have been destroyed by Israeli attacks.
7. Significant Deployment of Allied Forces: American troops and allied forces (e.g., the UK) are already present in the region.
8. Full Combat Readiness of the IDF: The Israel Defense Forces possess a high level of training, combat experience, a deployed air defense system, and readiness to execute missions.
9. Western Awareness of the Iranian Threat: In Europe, especially with the return of the Trump administration in the U.S., there is a growing understanding that the Iranian regime is the “head of the snake,” responsible for supplying weapons and destabilizing international trade through Houthi actions.
10. Support from Israeli Society: Israelis are more ready than ever for such actions and support them.
All these factors create conditions for offensive actions against the Houthis and Iran. Therefore, we are convinced that a major IDF operation is expected in the near future, which will be significantly more powerful and effective than all previous ones.