In a surprise move, Israel’s air force carried out airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen earlier today, in coordination with the United States and Great Britain. The strikes were part of a long-planned operation to degrade the Houthis’ ability to attack and disrupt maritime traffic.
According to sources, the US CENTCOM commander discussed efforts to coordinate offensive operations against Iran-backed targets during a recent visit to Jerusalem. The preparation was put into practice early Friday, with over 20 Israeli aircraft participating in the strikes. Around 50 munitions were dropped on terror targets in Yemen, targeting Houthi-controlled facilities such as ports and power plants.
The attack was divided between the coalition, which targeted weapons facilities, control and command bases, and underground places, while Israel focused on Houthi economic facilities with military and civilian uses. The Trump administration will now inherit this coalition and its mission to show the Houthis’ sponsors in Tehran that their support is unwelcome.
Experts say an Israeli operation aimed at neutralizing Iran’s nuclear weapons program has limited success prospects. However, a joint US-Israeli-British operation increases the chances of success and should give Iran something to worry about. The Biden administration deserves credit for assenting to this operation, but the Trump administration should now take it to its logical conclusion, aiming to negotiate from a strong position with Iran regarding its nuclear program and regime survival.
Source: https://www.nationalreview.com/corner/the-anti-iran-coalition-takes-shape