Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (R) speaks with Mossad chief David Barnea at IDF headquarters in Tel Aviv on 15 October 2023. Photo: Coby Gideon/GPO
Israeli intelligence chief David Barnea insists that in order to stop attacks by Houthi rebels, Israel should focus on strikes against Iran, the main sponsor of the Shiite group. This was reported by Time of Israel.
Two approaches: Mossad versus the prime minister
Barnea’s position contradicts the views of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, who prefer to continue direct attacks on Houthi positions in Yemen.
According to Haaretz, during a series of meetings about the ineffectiveness of the previous three rounds of air strikes in Yemen, Barnea said that it would be more strategically correct to focus on Iran, which finances and arms the Houthis.
“We have to go directly against Iran. If we only hit the Houthis, there is no guarantee that this will stop their attacks,” Barnea was quoted as saying by sources familiar with the discussions.
Netanyahu: “Iran is a separate problem”
In response, Netanyahu, according to Channel 13, said that Iran is another issue that “will be resolved at the appropriate time”. This assessment was shared by some senior Israeli security officials.
During the lighting of candles in honour of Hanukkah, Netanyahu reiterated that the Houthis would share the fate of other Israeli enemies in the region, confirming his readiness for further attacks.
Risks and uncertainties
Despite declarations of resolve, analysts doubt that Israel will be able to stop the Houthis without US involvement. American support remains key in any escalation scenario against Iran or its allies.
The Houthis, backed by Tehran, have recently stepped up attacks on Israeli ships in the Red Sea, which has caused tensions in the region to rise. Israel has already conducted several strikes against Yemen, but this was not enough to neutralise the threat.
Differences in the Israeli leadership’s approach to this crisis could have a significant impact on developments in the region and the strategy of fighting Iran.
