Zionist Assessments: 2026 as a Year of Major Confrontations… and “Somaliland” within the Strategy for Dealing with Yemen
A former Israeli general predicts renewed fighting on multiple fronts and reveals the dimensions of the Zionist presence in the Horn of Africa.
NYN | Reports and Analyses
With the start of 2026, assessments within the military and security establishment of the occupation entity point to an extremely sensitive phase, likely to witness a broad escalation in the strategic challenges facing “Israel,” particularly on the fronts of Gaza, Lebanon, Iran, and Yemen.
Warnings of a “Risk-Filled” Year
Retired Zionist General Amir Avivi, head of the Israeli “Securityists” movement, said that the new year would be “full of events and upheavals,” arguing that the state of confrontation with the resistance forces has not yet ended, but is instead heading toward new and more complex rounds.
In an article published by the Hebrew newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, Avivi predicted that the first half of 2026 would see renewed fighting on more than one front, stressing that “Israel” has not yet succeeded in achieving its declared objectives, particularly in the Gaza Strip.
Yemen and Somaliland: A Long-Term Regional Approach
Regarding the Yemeni arena, Avivi explained that the occupation entity does not deal with what he described as the “Yemeni threat” in isolation from its regional environment. He argued that the Zionist presence following recognition of “Somaliland” falls within the framework of building long-term strategic capabilities to deal with this front, as part of a broader regional security approach.
Redeployment of Resistance Forces
The retired general noted that resistance forces in Lebanon, Iran, and Yemen are, in his assessment, working to reorganize their ranks and regain their capacity for surprise, enabling them to alter existing deterrence equations and impose new realities in any future confrontation.
Gaza: Ground Incursions Before Any Talk of Reconstruction
With regard to the Gaza Strip, Avivi anticipated renewed ground incursions aimed at subjugating Hamas and disarming it, arguing that any talk of reconstruction or an orderly withdrawal of the Zionist army remains premature unless these objectives are achieved.
Lebanon and Iran: Scenarios of Wide Escalation
On the northern front, he suggested that Lebanon could witness a large-scale Israeli attack aimed at weakening Hezbollah to a level that would force the Lebanese state to disarm it.
As for Iran, he noted that it is facing internal pressure and growing protests, but at the same time is rapidly regaining strength, driven—according to his words—by a desire for revenge. He added that any potential confrontation would be a joint campaign with the United States, rather than a unilateral Israeli operation.
