After Haniyeh, Nasrallah and Sinwar, will Israel's PM Benjamin Netanyahu eliminate Houthi leader Abu Jibril? Ex-Mossad officers prepare details

In a rapidly evolving Middle East, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces new strategic decisions as former Israeli officials urge expanded military operations targeting Yemen's Houthi leadership. With recent high-profile eliminations of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Hamas figures Yahya Sinwar and Ismail Haniyeh, some experts suggest that Yemen’s Abdul Malik Badruddin Al-Houthi, known as Abu Jibril, may be next on the list.

As Israel balances ongoing negotiations for a hostages-for-cease-fire deal with Hamas in Gaza and maintains a tenuous truce with Hezbollah in Lebanon, the nation’s military focus could shift southward. Retired Maj. Gen. Amos Yadlin emphasized the importance of expanding Israel’s operations in Yemen. Speaking to Fox News Digital, Yadlin noted, “Targeted killings are an option if there is good intelligence... The leaders of the Houthis should meet Sinwar and Nasrallah, and the sooner the better.”

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Israel’s potential operations in Yemen would target not only Houthi leader Abdul Malik Al-Houthi but also key figures like Abdul Khaliq Badruddin Al-Houthi, Muhammad Ali Al-Houthi, and Abdul Karim Amiruddin Husayn Al-Houthi. These leaders, designated as global terrorists by the U.S. State Department, hold significant roles in the Houthi structure, from commanding the Presidential Reserve to overseeing Ansar Allah’s executive operations.

Maj. Gen. Yaakov Amidror highlighted the complexity of such operations, noting that targeting Houthi leadership would require precision intelligence, particularly in a region where Israel’s current focus has been primarily on Gaza and Lebanon. Joe Truzman of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) pointed out that Israel’s history of targeting nuclear scientists and military personnel in Iran could serve as a blueprint for operations in Yemen.

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The Houthis, who have escalated their regional attacks, represent a growing threat to Israeli interests. Former officials argue that neutralizing their leadership could significantly weaken their operational capabilities and send a strong message about Israel’s reach and determination.

FAQs:

What does this mean for regional stability?
Targeting Houthi leadership could reduce immediate threats but may also provoke retaliation, further complicating the already volatile Middle East landscape.

Could the Houthis retaliate against Israel?
Yes, the Houthis have the capability to launch attacks, potentially escalating the conflict if their leadership is targeted.