Israeli Officials Call for Ground Forces Against Houthi Threat
Senior officials in the Israeli government assert that ground forces from Arab nations, including those from Yemen, are essential to eliminate the Houthi threat in the region.
Despite a ceasefire established last month between Israel and Iran, the Iran-backed Houthis have persistently launched ballistic missiles. This continued aggression occurred even amidst Israeli airstrikes.
The Houthis also targeted an international ship, disregarding a separate ceasefire agreed with the US earlier this year. The rebels, who’ve been opposing Yemen’s internationally recognized government for years, claim their actions are in solidarity with Hamas, which is still engaged in conflict in Gaza against Israel.
It was regarded as a significant feat when Israeli pilots managed to reach Yemen for refueling about a year ago. However, air strikes by themselves aren’t sufficient. While Israel likely continues to deplete Houthi missile supplies, the likelihood of new reinforcements from Iran seems slim. Nevertheless, the Houthis remain resolute in their opposition, posing a broader threat to the region.
The Houthi motto includes phrases like “Death to the United States, death to Israel,” reflecting their antagonism toward these nations.
Previously, Saudi Arabia took the lead in combating the Houthi rebels. However, support for these efforts was curtailed by the Biden administration due to concerns over human rights. Alongside this shift, the administration hoped to engage Iran in renewed discussions regarding its nuclear deal from 2015.
Israeli officials have stated that Israel will not tolerate ongoing threats from the Houthis against its cities and transport. They believe that following the US withdrawal from the conflict, Israel should spearhead the response. However, they also acknowledged that Israel isn’t in a position to provide ground troops to complete the operation, opting instead to collaborate with allied Arab nations for ground assaults.
Although Yemen is over 2,000 kilometers from Israel, the two countries are situated across the Red Sea without a shared border. Nonetheless, the Houthis have managed to launch missile and drone attacks against Israel.
