Expert Insights: Dr. Eitan Azani, Acting Director of the International Institute for Counter-Terrorism

Recent events in the Middle East have highlighted that the region resembles a multiplayer game with various local, regional, and international players. This is where the drama unfolds. It is not a simple one-on-one confrontation; every action prompts reactions from all involved.

Israel’s attack on the Houthis yesterday is highly significant both strategically and in terms of the operation itself. Surrounding players observe and assess their positions and the risks they are willing to take in light of this attack. Players like Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iraqi and Syrian Shia militias all watch closely. Gradually, Israeli deterrence against regional players is being rebuilt.

Iran maintains its stance in this complex scenario, claiming it is not directly involved. However, a large part of Iran’s involvement includes the continued supply of weapons and ammunition to the Houthis and other proxies without becoming too deeply entangled in the conflict. It is clear to everyone that Iran is controlling its proxies, yet it takes care to avoid becoming a direct party in the conflict.

In recent days, the increase in Hezbollah’s activity against Israel has been a response to Israeli strikes in Lebanon. There is no visible reaction from Hezbollah concerning the situation in Yemen or the escalating events in Gaza.

One of Israel’s main targets in the strike on the Houthis was, in fact, the Lebanese arena. This was mainly aimed at shaping Lebanese public opinion, which can draw parallels with the Yemeni theater. As this awareness increases, so does the pressure on Hezbollah to limit its operational attacks on Israel, driven by the fear that similar events could occur in Lebanon.

Global players are observing from the sidelines, with no condemnations against Israel’s attack—implying a silent agreement. This includes Egypt, which was affected by incidents in the strait over the past nine months. Meanwhile, Western nations continue their operations to protect the economic pipeline of ships in the Red Sea. 

In the coming days, with the Houthis threatening to respond to Israel, the region will determine whether it is heading towards escalation or will opt for a limited response, enabling the parties to continue their restrained conflict.