Israel Reveals Houthi Drills Simulating October 7 Attack

SadaNews - Israeli security sources disclosed recently published videos of Houthi elements in Yemen, showing training exercises that mimic Israeli settlements and military sites, which the security establishment considers preparations for launching attacks similar to the events of October 7, according to a report by Walla! and translated by SadaNews.

A senior security official stated during a speech at a closed military forum last week that the Houthis continue to develop their capabilities and display their intentions through these recordings, emphasizing that the Israeli army is preparing to face various potential scenarios. He added: "No one underestimates the Houthis' capabilities, and we take their threats seriously."

According to the sources, senior leaders of the Israeli army conducted inspections in recent months in areas of Eilat and the borders with Jordan and Saudi Arabia, aiming to study defense methods and coordinate efforts between the army and various security agencies, including the Shin Bet, Mossad, police, and border guards. It was decided to execute field drills simulating potential breaches via the sea or from Sinai towards the occupied territories.

According to the Hebrew report, the Israeli security establishment believes that the campaign against the Houthis is not over yet, and that the group is waiting for a suitable moment or a significant regional escalation, such as a renewal of ground operations in the Gaza Strip or a direct confrontation with Iran, to launch attacks using ballistic missiles and drones, perhaps even through ground operations.

In contrast, the Israeli security establishment expressed relief over the absence of a U.S. obligation regarding the "safe haven" agreement Washington made with the Houthis, which stipulates stopping attacks on American ships. This, according to sources, allows the Israeli army to continue targeting Houthi sites in Yemen.

Additionally, the head of the military intelligence division, Shlomi Binder, expanded the scope of intelligence operations to build a comprehensive picture of the group, through a database including its leaders and infrastructure, as part of enhancing the early warning system.