Israel fears the Houthis' reaction after the Yemen bombings

The attacks on the Houthi rebels in Yemen occurred during the final days of US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken's tour of the Middle East. He is there to prevent the conflict between Israel and Hamas from escalating to other areas. Its correspondent, Ralph Dekkers, in Tel Aviv, says: “Israel now fears the consequences of these bombings.”

Last night, the United States and the United Kingdom carried out a joint attack against a series of Houthi targets in Yemen. The Netherlands, Australia, Bahrain and Canada supported the bombings.

Read also | The Americans and the British are bombing the Houthis in Yemen, and the Netherlands supports this

“The Houthis have carried out attacks before, especially on Eilat in the south. There are enough anti-aircraft guns there, and the fear now is that these missile attacks will increase, also towards other parts of Israel,” Dekkers said.

However, the attack will “undoubtedly” be carried out in coordination with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. “Certainly also because of the potential reaction from Yemen.” According to Dekkers, the United States and Britain said from the beginning that Israel should not interfere in attacks from Yemen. “They prevented Israel from intervening.”

Shipping movement

This measure comes in the wake of multiple attacks launched by the Houthis on ships sailing through the Red Sea to the Suez Canal, the main route between Europe and Asia. The rebels want to show their support for Hamas. However, these attacks have disrupted international trade. About 15 percent of the world Shipping movement Sailing across the Red Sea. Due to threats in the Red Sea, container prices have risen dramatically.

Read also | “If the situation continues in the Red Sea, prices will rise.”

United Nations to Gaza

During his trip through the Middle East in recent days, Blinken reportedly agreed, among other things, that the United Nations would soon go to northern Gaza to conduct inspections and reach agreements on the return of Palestinian residents. Reform of the Palestinian Authority is also said to have been discussed. He added: “They now control the West Bank, and the Americans also see a role for them in the Gaza Strip. “But Israel opposes this,” Dekkers said.

Read also | Blinken pushes Netanyahu towards better relations in the Middle East

Meanwhile, negotiations are also underway on the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza and Palestinian prisoners in Israel. These talks stopped after the assassination of a Hamas leader in Beirut. “There now appears to be a small deal, with Hamas allowing medicines to be provided to the hostages. There are people with chronic diseases among the hostages who need treatment,” Dekkers said. Hamas will allow medicines to be provided, and in return Israel will also allow more medicines to the residents of Gaza.