Israeli Intelligence Sounds the Alarm: Fears of a “Yemeni Flood” Threatening Eilat and Echoing October 7
A Hebrew report speaks of unprecedented concern within the security establishment over a large-scale attack the Houthis could carry out by sea or land, as Israel conducts intensive drills in anticipation of a surprise.
NYN | Reports and Analyses
An extensive Hebrew report published by the Israeli website Walla revealed growing concern within the intelligence, security, and military institutions of the Israeli establishment over a potential large-scale attack that could be carried out by the Houthi group. The scenario, in concept, resembles the October 7 attack carried out by Palestinian resistance factions, though differing in planning, execution, and capabilities.
The report explained that the Israeli military establishment believes the confrontation with the Houthis has not ended despite the apparent calm, considering that the group is “waiting for an opportunity for a broad regional confrontation” to resume direct attacks against Israel.
Training Footage and Infiltration Scenarios
The Hebrew site attached video clips to the report that it said show armed Houthi fighters training on models and scenarios simulating the storming of Israeli settlements and military sites, as well as carrying out operations against soldiers and settlers.
The report noted that the Houthis rely on what it described as “advanced” methods, including combat trenches and field tactics. It quoted a senior Israeli security official as saying:
“We must never underestimate the intentions and capabilities of the Houthis, and we must prepare accordingly.”
Eilat and the Gulf of Aqaba: The Most Dangerous Weak Point
According to the Israeli security assessment, senior army officers view Eilat and the Gulf of Aqaba as the most prominent vulnerability that the Houthis could exploit to launch a direct attack, whether through maritime operations or infiltration from unexpected directions.
Military Drills Reflect the Level of Concern
The report stated that the Israeli army has carried out naval exercises in coordination with its intelligence, combat, and air units—an indication of the scale of concern over a Yemeni scenario that, according to their estimates, could have a greater impact than the October 7 attack.
“Ansar Allah Surprises” Worry Tel Aviv and Washington
According to the report, Israeli military leaders warned that the experience of recent Yemeni maritime attacks, as well as missile and drone strikes, demonstrates the Houthis’ ability to surprise major armies. This, they said, was reflected even in the performance of the U.S. Navy and its aircraft carriers in the Red Sea.
