Hebrew Newspaper: Return of Iranian Flights to Sana’a Represents a “Saudi Capitulation” and the Collapse of the Blockade on Yemen
An analysis in "Yedioth Ahronoth" suggests that reopening the air route between Tehran and Sana'a reflects the failure of the Coalition's strategy and reveals a shift in the regional deterrence balance.
NYN | Reports and Analyses
The Blockade on Yemen Has Lost Its Effectiveness
The Hebrew newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth stated that recent developments regarding the resumption of flights between Iran and Sana’a indicate a decline in the effectiveness of the blockade imposed on Yemen for years. It described the scene as reflecting a “Saudi capitulation” and a failure to achieve the goals sought by the Riyadh-led coalition.
According to an analysis published by the newspaper, the landing of an Iranian civilian aircraft at Sana’a International Airport carried major political and security implications, considering this step a strategic shift that raises questions about the feasibility of the blockade policy that has lasted for nearly a decade.
Security Concerns Behind the Saudi Retreat
The Hebrew analysis pointed out that the Saudi leadership has become more aware of the potential security risks facing its economic and vital facilities, especially in light of the growing capabilities of Sana’a forces in the field of drones and missiles.
The newspaper added that any attack targeting economic centers or vital infrastructure in the Kingdom could directly impact investor confidence and economic stability, which—according to the analysis—prompted Riyadh to recalculate its approach regarding the continuation of the previous policy in Yemen.
Billions of Dollars Failed to Achieve the Blockade’s Objectives
The newspaper noted that the Saudi-led coalition spent billions of dollars over the years to enforce strict control over Yemeni ports and deployed naval forces in the Red Sea, the Bab al-Mandab Strait, and the Gulf of Aden, aiming to tighten control over shipping and transport.
However, according to the newspaper, the reopening of the air route between Iran and Sana’a could undermine the effectiveness of these measures and render the blockade system less impactful in the future.
An Israeli Reading of the Shifting Balance of Power
Yedioth Ahronoth viewed the recent developments as an indication of rapid changes in the balance of power related to the Yemeni file, considering that Sana’a now possesses greater margin for maneuver on both political and logistical levels.
The newspaper concluded its analysis by pointing out that the new air and sea routes could open the door to different regional arrangements, posing new challenges to the parties involved in the Yemeni war and reflecting a shift in the nature of the conflict after years of confrontations and blockade.
