Daijiworld Media Network – Jerusalem
Jerusalem, Oct 14: Israel has heightened its military preparedness amid growing concerns that Yemen's Houthi movement could launch a surprise attack by land or sea, according to Israeli defence assessments.
Israeli defence officials believe the threat has intensified amid fighting involving the Houthis and Saudi Arabia. The group has reportedly been working to strengthen its capabilities to carry out attacks from different directions, prompting Israel to prepare for possible escalation.
As part of the preparations, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) is expected to establish a fire coordination centre within the Edom Division.
Over the past two years, the Houthis have released several videos showing training exercises simulating ground raids against Israel. The drills have included mock military outposts and fortified guard towers. Israeli defence officials have also noted increasingly frequent warnings from the group in recent months about the possibility of ground attacks.
Officials describe the Houthis as an unpredictable force whose methods of warfare have posed significant challenges to Saudi Arabia. Israel is therefore preparing for a range of possible scenarios through several parallel measures.
These include maintaining reserve and rapid-response troops in the Eilat area, conducting military exercises, deploying weapons systems and improving coordination between ground, naval and air units. Response times are also being reduced, while joint exercises are being conducted with the Israel Police and Border Police operating in the area.
Israeli officials are also assessing the possibility that a sharp increase in Houthi attacks on Saudi territory could cause further casualties and extensive damage, prompting Riyadh to intensify its military response and potentially drawing the United States into a more direct confrontation.
Under such circumstances, the Houthis could also target American interests in Israel, potentially requiring an Israeli military response.
“The Houthis have long since ceased to be regarded as proxies of the Iranians, and they are demonstrating operational independence with an inexplicable determination against the Saudis,” a defence official was quoted as saying.
The threat from Yemen remains a key concern in Israeli security assessments, with intelligence agencies monitoring Houthi intentions and military capabilities.
Meanwhile, operational and intelligence coordination between the IDF and the US Central Command (CENTCOM) is aimed at strengthening early-warning systems and reducing the risk of a surprise attack.