What is Israel strategy for Yemen and Iran - 2025
Introduction
Israel's Strategy for Iran
Preemptive Military Actions
Israel has been engaging in a "campaign between the wars" (CBW) strategy, which involves targeting Iranian military assets, particularly in Syria, to prevent Iran from establishing a permanent military presence near its borders.
This includes strikes on Iranian personnel, weapons convoys, and infrastructure believed to support Hezbollah and other Iranian proxies.
Deterrence through Show of Force
By showcasing its military capabilities, Israel aims to deter Iran from further aggression. This includes high-profile operations like the strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities or key military figures. The strategy is to keep Iran off balance and prevent it from consolidating or expanding its influence in the region.
Diplomatic Isolation
Israel also works diplomatically to isolate Iran, seeking to undermine its international standing and economic capabilities through sanctions and diplomatic pressure. This often involves cooperation with other countries, including those in the Gulf, to form a united front against Iranian expansionism.
Cyber Operations
Israel is known for its sophisticated cyber capabilities, which it uses to disrupt Iranian operations, including nuclear programs and cyber warfare against Iranian infrastructure.
Israel's Strategy for Yemen
Targeting Houthi Military Capabilities
Israel has occasionally conducted military operations against Houthi targets, primarily when these actions are perceived as direct threats or when they facilitate Iranian weapon supply lines to the Houthis. These operations have included airstrikes on Houthi-controlled ports and infrastructure, aiming to disrupt the supply of arms from Iran.
Indirect Engagement
Rather than engaging Yemen directly, Israel's strategy often involves countering the broader network of Iranian proxies, of which the Houthis are a part. This means intercepting weapons shipments, sharing intelligence with allies like Saudi Arabia and the U.S., who are more directly involved in Yemen, to thwart Houthi attacks on regional shipping or against Israel itself
Strategic Messaging
Israel uses strikes against Yemen to send a broader message to Iran about its capability and willingness to act against Iranian influence wherever it appears, reinforcing the deterrence strategy. This includes public statements from military leaders about Israel's reach, aiming to deter further aggression by demonstrating military prowess and resolve.
Conclusion
Overall, Israel's strategy towards both Iran and Yemen is characterized by a combination of military action, intelligence operations, and strategic messaging aimed at containing Iranian influence, disrupting its military capabilities, and deterring further aggression while avoiding escalation into a full-scale war. These strategies are adapted based on the evolving security landscape in the Middle East.