Khaberni - Israeli estimates have revealed preparations within the security establishment for the potential resumption of military operations in the Yemeni arena, reflecting the transfer of Yemen to the forefront of the Israeli target bank after the Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran fronts.
According to a report by Channel "14" in Israel, operational plans for carrying out attacks against the Houthi militia have been updated amid unprecedented Israeli threats to target the group’s leaders if a political decision to launch a new military operation is made.
Ready for Implementation
The report stated that the security establishment has increased its readiness for the potential resumption of military operations in Yemen and has reactivated the operational plans for the Yemeni arena, so they are ready to be implemented immediately upon instructions from the political level.
The report added that the security agencies are simultaneously working on updating the operational response mechanisms to face upcoming threats from the southern front, amidst Israeli estimates that consider the Houthis as part of the regional threat system linked to Iran.
These preparations followed statements by Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz, who confirmed in an interview with the channel that "Israel's account with the Houthis is still open," emphasizing that the group "will pay the price for its actions."
Katz did not only threaten a military response but also spoke about the possibility of carrying out specific operations against the Houthi leadership, affirming that if the militia leader becomes a target for Israel, "he will be assassinated," in a message that reflects a clear escalation in the Israeli rhetoric towards the Yemeni arena.
A Major Front
The Israeli estimates, according to Hebrew "i24 News" channel, indicate that Yemen is no longer seen as a remote or secondary arena, but has turned into a major front within what Israel describes as the axis of threats linked to Iran.
According to the estimates, the Israeli army is working on updating the target bank in Yemen, with preparations for long-range attacks that might target the ports of Hodeidah and Ras Issa, as well as military facilities and infrastructure used by the Houthis, in addition to considering the possibility of targeting prominent leaders within the group; aiming to reduce their capabilities of launching rockets and drones and establishing a new deterrence equation.
This movement comes after the Houthis returned to the forefront of events early this month, following the launch of a rocket from Yemen towards Israel amidst tensions with Iran, before Israel announced its interception without any injuries or damage.
In contrast, the military spokesperson for the Houthis, Yahya Sarea, claimed responsibility for the operation, alleging targeting "sensitive targets in Jaffa," with the affirmation that the group will escalate its response to any Israeli attack targeting them.
The Hebrew media also notes that the Houthis had previously announced a complete ban on the passage of Israeli ships in the Red Sea, considering any Israeli movement in it as a military target, alongside carrying out nine missile and drone attacks over recent months, as part of their participation in the regional confrontation.
Next Stage
The Israeli estimates reflect that the security establishment views the Yemeni arena as the next possible stage in the regional confrontation, following the developments witnessed in the Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran fronts.
According to what the Hebrew media circulated, the update of military plans and the public threats to assassinate the Houthi leadership indicate that Israel aims to maintain full readiness for any political decision to escalate, at a time when it deals with Yemen as part of a broader battle against Iranian influence in the region, not just an isolated front.
