EXPLAINED | Is Yemen The Next Battleground In Israel's Campaign Against Iranian-backed Militias?

Is Yemen The Next Battleground?: After striking Hamas and Hezbollah in Gaza and Lebanon, Israel appears to be focusing on the Houthis in Yemen as its next target. In the past two weeks, Israel and the Houthi forces have exchanged fire multiple times, with Israel launching several airstrikes on Houthi-controlled regions. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant have made it clear that Israel plans to take decisive action against the Houthis, citing the group's continued aggression and its support from Iran.

Is Yemen The Next Battleground? The Escalating Tensions

Since mid-December, Israel has conducted five rounds of airstrikes in Yemen, targeting Houthi infrastructure in response to missile and drone attacks launched by the Houthis. The group has fired over 200 missiles and 170 drones at Israel and has been active in the Red Sea. Israel's response has been swift, with Netanyahu vowing to "act with force, determination, and sophistication" against the Houthis, much like they did against Hamas and Hezbollah.

The Context of the Conflict

The Houthis, backed by Iran, are part of the so-called "Axis of Resistance" against Israel. With Iran weakened from earlier attacks and Hezbollah on a ceasefire, the Houthis remain the last significant force opposing Israel in the region. Israel views the Houthis not only as a threat to regional stability but also to global shipping routes.

Challenges for Israel

Despite Israel's strong rhetoric, punishing the Houthis presents unique challenges. Yemen's mountainous terrain makes it difficult for Israel to target Houthi strongholds as effectively as it did in Gaza and Lebanon. Additionally, the Houthis have more independence from Iran compared to Hamas and Hezbollah, meaning they are less susceptible to Iranian pressure to negotiate with Israel.

The Houthis are also well-equipped to withstand airstrikes, using their geography to their advantage. While Israel has conducted airstrikes on strategic targets, the Houthis remain resilient, and their capacity to launch attacks from the region remains a threat.

The Path Forward: A Joint Approach?

Experts suggest that while Israel can continue periodic airstrikes, it will likely need to work with allies like the U.S. and other Arab nations for a more comprehensive strategy. Diplomatic efforts alongside military actions might be necessary to curb the Houthis' influence and force them to de-escalate their activities.

As the conflict continues to unfold, Yemen could become the next major battlefield in West Asia, following the paths of Gaza and Lebanon. The Houthis, emboldened by Iranian support and their own military capabilities, are proving to be a formidable adversary for Israel in this new chapter of the Middle Eastern conflict.