In the wake of a deadly drone attack in Tel Aviv, Israeli security chiefs have declared that restraint against Yemen’s Houthi rebels is no longer an option. This decision comes after an upgraded Houthi drone evaded Israel’s defences and exploded in Tel Aviv, striking an apartment block and killing 50-year-old Israeli, Yevgeny Ferder. The Houthis, another of Iran’s terror proxies, declared this as a “new phase” in their operations against Israel.
Israel’s Response
In a recorded video statement, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed the nation that the Israeli Air Force had targeted the Red Sea port of Hodeida. This port is a key entry point for Iranian weaponry used by the Houthis against Israel and other regional adversaries. The strike, which hit facilities over 1,800 kilometres (1,100 miles) away, was one of the most complex operations ever carried out by Israel, according to IDF Spokesman Daniel Hagari.
International Coordination and Potential Escalation
Israel recognizes the potential for this unprecedented retaliation to trigger further escalation. The United States was informed ahead of the strike, and warnings were issued to other regional stakeholders. Despite the risks, Israeli military chiefs have noted that the Houthis do not appear particularly susceptible to deterrence. Following the strike, a senior Houthi leader vowed that Israel would “pay the price” and promised further escalation.
Security Measures and Political Developments
As of Saturday night, the IDF issued no new security instructions to the public. Prime Minister Netanyahu still plans to proceed with his trip to the United States, where he will meet President Joe Biden (pending his recovery from COVID-19), and hopes to meet former president and Republican presidential nominee, Donald Trump. Netanyahu will also address a joint session of Congress, emphasizing Iran’s aggressive ambitions and its nuclear weapons drive.
Domestic Reactions
In Tel Aviv and other cities, demonstrators, including relatives of the 116 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, are urging Netanyahu not to make the trip to the US until a hostage-ceasefire deal is finalized. They believe such a deal could also help deescalate the conflict, particularly along Israel’s northern border, where Hezbollah, another Iranian proxy, has been firing dozens of rockets into Israel daily.
Outlook
The heads of Israel’s security establishment, along with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, share the assessment that securing a hostage deal could deescalate tensions. However, as of Saturday night, they are also preparing for the possibility of the nine-month war widening further.
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