NYN | News
The region is witnessing new U.S. military movements amid growing Israeli concerns over possible Yemeni attacks. This was reflected in the redeployment of the missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), which crossed the Suez Canal in recent hours heading toward the Red Sea, according to the U.S. Central Command, which released photos of the transit.
This step marks the first deployment of a destroyer of this type in the region since the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew its warships following attempts to sink a U.S. aircraft carrier and the loss of several F-18 fighters due to Yemeni strikes.
The redeployment comes at a time of increasing Israeli fears of potential Yemeni military responses, especially after the assassination of Heitham Al-Tabtabai, a senior Hezbollah figure.
Hebrew media outlets quoted officials in Netanyahu’s government as saying that Al-Tabtabai was among the leaders close to the Houthis (Ansar Allah), which raises the likelihood of retaliation from Sanaa.
Israel has also been on high alert since the strike that targeted the Lebanese capital Beirut on Sunday evening. It has raised the readiness of its missile-defense systems while conducting surprise drills in the Galilee, despite continued fears of incoming attacks from Yemen—attacks that, according to Israeli media assessments, current defense systems may struggle to intercept.
