Rising Concerns in Israel Over a Possible Shift in the Rules of War if the Houthis Enter the Conflict
Israeli security assessments warn of sophisticated attacks in the Red Sea and a focus on Israeli targets and related interests
NYN | Reports and Analyses
Concerns are growing within Israeli security and intelligence circles over the possibility that the rules of engagement in the ongoing regional war could change if the Yemeni group Ansar Allah (the Houthis) decides to directly join the confrontation.
According to reports cited by Channel 12 from Israeli security sources, current assessments suggest that if the Houthis participate in the war, their operations would not primarily focus on targeting United States interests in the region, but would instead concentrate mainly on striking Israel and interests linked to it.
Possible Focus on Israeli Targets
The sources explained that the Houthis, despite ongoing tensions with Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates, do not currently appear inclined to expand their list of targets to include those two countries. Instead, they reportedly view Israel as their “primary enemy” at this stage.
Israeli security circles believe that such a scenario could lead to direct escalation against Israeli targets, whether through missile attacks or the use of long-range drones.
Concerns Over Sophisticated Operations in the Red Sea
Estimates also indicate that the Houthis may expand their military operations in the Red Sea by targeting vessels linked to Israel or carrying out more complex maritime operations, similar to those seen during what has been described as the previous “support war.”
According to the same sources, Israel fears that Houthi involvement could open an additional front whose military tactics may be difficult to predict—especially given what Tel Aviv considers the group’s “ambiguity” regarding its operational methods and combat capabilities.
Fears of an Unconventional Confrontation
Israeli circles acknowledge that dealing with the Houthis differs from traditional confrontations. They believe the group possesses unconventional and unpredictable combat methods, which increases concern within the Israeli security establishment about a scenario in which Israel may face an adversary whose movements are difficult to contain or anticipate.
