Israel closely monitoring: Houthis may close the gate to the Red Sea

Israel is closely monitoring the Houthis' consolidation in Al-Mukha and the possibility they may try to block the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Meanwhile, the IDF completed a divisional exercise in Eilat that simulated a massive infiltration from sea, air, and land, scenarios of hostage-taking in hotels and educational institutions, and dealing with pro-Iranian militias.

Israel is closely monitoring the Houthis' consolidation in the city of Al-Mukha in Yemen, and the growing concern that they may try to block the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a strategic shipping route connecting the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean. Alongside the developing threat, the IDF yesterday completed a large-scale divisional exercise of the 80th Division in and around the city of Eilat, as well as off its coast. The exercise tested scenarios of massive infiltration into the city by sea, air, and land, while dealing with Houthi fighters and pro-Iranian militias, as well as extensive hostage-taking scenarios in hotels and educational institutions. The Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, said at the naval officers' course graduation ceremony that the IDF has proven its strength in Bab el-Mandeb, Beirut, Lebanese ports, and off the coast of Gaza, and that the long arm reaches everywhere. Navy Commander Vice Adm. Eyal Harel emphasized that there is no longer a distant front, and that distance will not grant immunity to those who seek to harm the state. The Navy, he said, will not accept a reality where Israel's freedom of action or its strategic interests in the maritime domain are under threat.