Israel’s strategy toward the Houthis has shifted from defense to offense, as confirmed by a strike ordered by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that killed the group’s prime minister. Netanyahu celebrated the move as a “fatal blow” and the start of a new offensive campaign.
This policy shift comes after months of Israel being on the defensive, using costly interceptors to shoot down Houthi missiles. The attacks, which the Houthis link to the Gaza war, have become a significant drain on Israeli resources.
The strike on Sanaa was a remarkable display of intelligence and power projection, but it was not a knockout blow. The survival of the Houthi chief of staff and defense minister means the group’s capacity to attack remains.
The Houthis have vowed revenge, setting the stage for a more direct and violent confrontation. Analysts note that while the offensive move puts the Houthis on the back foot, it also carries the risk of significant escalation.
Netanyahu Ups the Ante: From Defense to Offense Against the Houthis
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Picture Credit: www.heute.at
