Leader of Huthi Militia announces 'new level of escalation' against Israel
The leader of the Huthi in Yemen has announced a new phase in the fight against Israel. The lethal attack of the militia on Tel Aviv on Friday was a "new level of escalation," said Abdel-Malik al-Huthi in a speech aired on Al-Masirah TV. "We are very happy with our direct fight against the Israeli enemy." The militia is constantly improving its capabilities and is now "stronger than before" in this fight. Israel's attack on the Hudaydah port in Yemen will only lead to more actions against Israel.
The Huthi are supported by Iran. Tehran speaks only of political support for the Shia militia and denies supplying them with weapons. However, US military, along with partners, intercepted at least 20 Iranian ships in the past ten years that were supposed to deliver rockets, rocket parts, ballistic missiles, drones, thousands of assault rifles, and other military equipment to the Huthi.
The militia has been expanding its weapons arsenal in recent years and regularly shows it off at military parades. The rockets are said to have a range of up to 2,000 kilometers, making Israel, including the coastal metropolis of Tel Aviv, a potential target. Al-Huthi said the long-range drone used in the latest attack on Tel Aviv was developed and launched by the Yemenites themselves.
- The announcement of a new phase in the fight against Israel by the Huthi-Militia's leader could potentially escalate the situation further, leading to more actions from Israel.
- Given that the Huthi-Militia has been consistently improving its capabilities and is now stronger than before, the international community might consider more aggressive actions to de-escalate the situation.
- The escalation stage in the conflict between Israel and the Huthi-Militia, as noted by the leader, is likely to strengthen Tehran's resolve to provide political support, despite denying direct supply of weapons.
