Houthi drone attack exposes Israel’s vulnerability

Analysis

Ben Caspit

Jul 19, 2024

A man looks at a building damaged by a drone explosion that Houthis rebels in Yemen claimed responsibility for, Tel Aviv, July 19, 2024. — Amir Levy/Getty Images

TEL AVIV — The drone that crashed in the heart of Tel Aviv in the predawn hours on Friday underscores the growing strategic threat posed by Iran-backed Houthi rebels to Israel and the risk of the Gaza war turning into a regional conflict, especially with the episode coming two days before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu departs for Washington.

Netanyahu did not issue an immediate response to the attack, leaving the Israeli military to explain what had happened. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant was the first to provide an official reaction.

A statement released by Gallant’s office after he consulted with the military leadership said the security system “will make all those endangering Israel or generating terror against it pay for their actions.” Still, Israeli diplomatic sources believe Netanyahu will likely cite the incident while in Washington next week to warn his American interlocutors against Iran and its proxies in the region.

Israel's vulnerability