In a recent escalation of Middle Eastern tensions, a senior Houthi official, Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, issued a veiled threat to Israel on his X (formerly Twitter) account following reports of launches towards Israel from the terrorist organization.

This comes in response to the Israeli airstrike targeting the port city of Hodeidah in Yemen, a strategic location held by the Houthis.

A Multi-Front Challenge for Israel

Former IDF Major-General Israel Ziv provided his insights into the evolving situation during an interview with Anat Davidov and Udi Segal on 103FM. Ziv emphasized the distinct differences between the Houthis and Hezbollah, particularly regarding their geographical and operational capacities.

“The Houthis are not exactly Hezbollah,” Ziv remarked. “Their distance and capabilities are fundamentally different. On one hand, it can’t be underestimated because they do have considerable capabilities. We know how to handle most of the fire, but that’s not the problem”.

“The problem is we’re entering a multi-front situation. The head of the octopus is sitting behind, and I think he’s quite pleased with this. You can’t defeat the Yemenis.”

Ziv’s analogy of a “multi-front situation” highlights Israel’s growing security concerns as it faces threats from various directions, including Lebanon, Gaza, and now Yemen.

The reference to the “head of the octopus” points towards Iran, which is believed to be a major backer of the Houthi movement, providing them with significant military support and strategic guidance.

Strategic Impact of the Hodeidah Strike

The airstrike on Hodeidah port was a significant blow to the Houthis, yet Ziv underscores that it is far from a decisive victory. “I think that from the get-go, we took most of them down”.

“This body has been fighting for years from caves. The strike on the port really hurts them, but they have nothing to lose. It didn’t finish them off. It just made this front line more personal for them,” he explained.

The resilience of the Houthi fighters, forged through years of guerrilla warfare, means that direct military actions may not be sufficient to neutralize the threat they pose.

The strike, while impactful, has not eradicated their ability to retaliate and could potentially embolden them to intensify their efforts against Israeli interests, particularly in disrupting freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.

Ziv pointed out the broader implications of this confrontation: “The story is they’re in the process of expanding to other places while trying to harm freedom of navigation. If you want to influence the Houthis, it’s not through direct attacks, but through Iran.”

This assertion directs attention to the geopolitical dynamics at play. Iran’s influence over the Houthis means that any sustainable solution to the Houthi threat must involve addressing Tehran’s regional ambitions and support networks.

The US Political Context

Shifting gears, Ziv also touched upon the domestic political scene in the United States, particularly President Joe Biden’s anticipated withdrawal from the upcoming presidential race.

“I think Biden will continue until January,” he said. “In theory, the same policies should continue, but on the other hand, stepping down from the presidency reduces the pressure on him, and he can make more personal decisions.”

Ziv noted the potential implications for Israel in this transition period: “Regarding Israel, I’m very concerned about what Netanyahu is going to do in Congress. He could show us what happens when you anger the President of the United States. We don’t live according to the US election cycle. We need them in this half-year.”

The dynamic between Israel and the United States remains critical, with the latter’s support being a cornerstone of Israel’s defense and diplomatic strategies.

Ziv emphasized the role of key US officials in maintaining this support: “What works there is really the staff working around him and his guidelines. His staff is strong enough, and his spirit is what always makes the decisions”.

“The one working with us and greatly influencing him is, first and foremost, the Secretary of Defense. This person is in contact with our defense minister every two or three days, and the chief of staff there – in everything related to assistance and the like.”

Conclusion

The recent Israeli airstrike in Yemen has opened another chapter in the complex and volatile narrative of Middle Eastern conflicts.

As the Houthis threaten retaliation and Israel braces for potential multi-front engagements, the strategic interplay between regional actors, including Iran, becomes increasingly critical.

Meanwhile, the shifting political landscape in the United States adds another layer of uncertainty to Israel’s strategic calculations.

Former IDF Major-General Israel Ziv’s analysis underscores the multifaceted nature of these challenges, highlighting the need for a nuanced and comprehensive approach to security and diplomacy.

As events unfold, the international community will closely watch how Israel navigates this perilous terrain, balancing direct military actions with broader geopolitical maneuvers to ensure its security and stability.