Report: Israel Prepares for Precision Strikes Against Houthis Following Failure of US Campaign in Yemen

SadaNews - Following the failure of the US military operation against the Houthis in Yemen, Israeli intelligence agencies, led by "Aman" and Mossad, have intensified their efforts to establish an expanded target bank aimed at the Houthis' vital infrastructure. These moves come amidst an escalation of missile and drone attacks launched from Yemen towards deep Israeli territory, prompting Tel Aviv to reassess its defensive and offensive strategy, according to the Hebrew website "Walla".

Israeli political sources confirmed that responding to Houthi attacks has become a necessity that cannot be ignored, and the Israeli army is preparing to carry out a qualitative operation that differs in its methodology from the recent US campaign, which failed to achieve its goals in curbing the Houthis' military capabilities.

The Israeli plan is based on coordinated strikes targeting intelligence systems, strategic ports, defense industrial facilities, and Houthi command centers, aiming to create a wide paralysis in the group's capabilities. Reports have revealed a failed assassination attempt on Houthi Chief of Staff, Mohammed Abdul Karim al-Ghamari, during a meeting with prominent leaders.

Military estimates indicate that the Houthi strongholds are located in underground facilities, making it difficult to target them accurately, especially in light of the lack of complete intelligence regarding their locations. Nonetheless, political entities believe that the Houthis are under increasing pressure, and that Israeli strikes must be intricate and comprehensive.

The previous US operation, dubbed "Operation Rough Knight," lasted from March to May, and witnessed over a thousand airstrikes targeting command and air defense sites and supply routes. Despite the deaths of hundreds of Houthis and the destruction of facilities and weapons depots, the attacks did not stop the launch of missiles and drones; rather, Washington suffered significant losses, including the downing of seven drones and an "F-18" fighter jet.

This failure led the US administration to prefer a negotiation option through regional mediations, resulting in a ceasefire without involving Israel. According to Israeli sources, the weak results of the US operation weakened General Michael Kurilla's position within the White House, which encouraged Israel to adopt a new approach to confront the Houthis, especially with expectations of an expansion of Houthi attacks if a large-scale Israeli military operation erupts in Gaza.