Yemen Monitor – Marib – Special Report:
The Israeli occupation army has raised the alert level of its defensive systems following intelligence reports warning that the Houthi group in Yemen is preparing to launch a “surprise” attack using ballistic missiles and long-range drones. The reports also cited extensive efforts to rebuild the group’s military arsenal with technical and financial support from Tehran.
The Hebrew newspaper The Jerusalem Post quoted a senior military official as saying that the security establishment in Tel Aviv is closely monitoring Houthi movements in Yemen, confirming that explicit orders have been issued to prepare for unexpected offensive scenarios.
The official indicated that, with Iranian assistance, the group has succeeded in restoring its drone air capabilities and missile forces, enabling it to reach deep into Israeli territory.
A senior military official recently warned during a closed meeting of the need for the Israeli army to be prepared for a potential surprise attack by the Houthis, according to a report by the Hebrew news website Walla! on Tuesday.
The official reportedly ordered a thorough review of every launch and emerging attack trajectory to assess any possible links to the Houthis.
Decision-making circles within Israel’s military establishment are said to be divided over the group’s timing and intentions. While one camp believes the Houthis fear undermining ceasefire understandings with the United States and wish to avoid direct confrontation with American forces in the region, another camp warns that the current “relative calm” could serve as cover for a surprise operation, according to the newspaper.
To counter the threat, the report said the Israeli army has reinforced air defense and surveillance systems in key areas, focusing on improving detection and interception operations along the eastern border with Jordan.
In his first speech following U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran last Saturday, the movement’s leader, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, adopted an unusually calm tone, avoiding the fiery rhetoric that typically characterizes his addresses. While expressing strong support for Tehran, he did not explicitly pledge military backing.
After Iran announced the assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, al-Houthi delivered another relatively brief speech—shorter than his typically lengthy addresses—offering condolences to the Iranian people. Once again, he refrained from committing to military action.
