“Former Houthi Official Calls Attack on Israel a Serious Mistake”
In a recent exclusive interview with Israel Hayom, a former Houthi official criticized the Yemeni group’s attack on Israel, describing it as a severe miscalculation. The attack, which involved a drone strike on Tel Aviv that resulted in one fatality and several injuries, was labeled by the former official as a “grave mistake.”
The official explained that there were alternative ways for the Houthis to support Palestinians, such as providing financial aid, launching a media campaign, or offering humanitarian assistance, similar to the actions taken by other Arab countries. Instead, the Houthi decision to directly confront Israel endangers the Yemeni civilian population, which is already grappling with a dire humanitarian situation.
The former official further criticized the Houthis for using Yemeni civilians as “human shields” in their attacks. He pointed out that the Houthis’ strategy of launching rockets against Israeli targets not only jeopardizes lives but also risks severe repercussions for Yemen. He noted that Israel is capable of targeted strikes on military objectives and warned that the Houthis’ actions could lead to significant economic and infrastructural damage in Yemen, including the potential bankruptcy of ports.
According to the former official, the Houthis’ attempt to engage in direct conflict with Israel is misguided, as it exacerbates Yemen’s suffering rather than addressing the core issues of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He argued that the Houthis lack the necessary air defense capabilities to protect Yemen from Israeli retaliation and expressed concern that Israel might impose a naval and air blockade on the country, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
The critique comes in the wake of Israeli airstrikes on Hodeidah, Yemen, carried out in response to the Houthi drone attack. The operation, conducted by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), involved F-15s, F-35s, and other fighter jets executing approximately ten airstrikes over nearly three hours. The airstrikes were a direct response to the Houthi aggression and aimed at neutralizing the threat posed by the drone strike.
Overall, the former Houthi official’s comments highlight a growing internal dissent within the group regarding their approach to the conflict with Israel. His remarks suggest a recognition of the severe consequences of their actions on both the Yemeni population and the broader geopolitical landscape.