Israel ready to hit Houthis, urges US to take command

Israel is prepared to launch further attacks on Houthi-controlled regions in Yemen, following its recent air strike, stated Israel’s top diplomat. However, the country prefers the US-led maritime security coalition to take the lead role.

In an interview with Bloomberg, Foreign Minister Israel Katz highlighted that the Iran-backed Houthis are planning new attacks, undeterred by Israel’s counter-strike on Hodeidah port after a Houthi drone killed a man in Tel Aviv on July 19, Caliber.Az reports.

“They will continue,” Katz said, noting the Houthis' collaboration with Hezbollah and Shia militias in Iraq.

Katz reiterated Israel’s threat to escalate conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon unless the group withdraws from the border area. Both Hezbollah and the Houthis have launched missiles at Israel in solidarity with Hamas since the conflict began in October.

He confirmed that Israel has identified potential targets to counter the Houthis but acknowledged the logistical challenges posed by the 1,200-mile distance to Yemen. Katz suggested that the 10-nation coalition established by the US to protect international commerce in the Red Sea is better positioned to lead the fight against the Houthis. “We would prefer that the coalition will lead the war against the Houthis,” he said.

Katz also mentioned that a potential ceasefire in Gaza could reduce regional tensions, but dismissed Hezbollah’s pledge to stop fighting if a truce is achieved. “We won’t accept the ‘quiet for quiet’ formula,” he said, insisting that Hezbollah must retreat to the Litani River to ensure the safety of the evacuated northern Israeli population. “Because of that, there is a high chance that it will be a bigger conflict with Lebanon.”