Yedioth Ahronoth: Houthi advance in Yemen worries the Israeli security establishment

According to the newspaper, this development came following the withdrawal of forces loyal to the Yemeni government from Perim Island, also known as Mayyun, located at the entrance to the strait. This has given the Houthis, according to Israeli estimates, a significant ability to control navigation through it.

It noted that while Israel considers this development "worrying," the security establishment does not expect direct Israeli military intervention at the present time unless Israel is subjected to a direct attack.

Citing Israeli security estimates, the newspaper stated that the gravity of the situation lies in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, as its width in some parts is only about 18 kilometers, making the disruption of vessel traffic there easier compared to wider maritime corridors.

The estimates claimed that the Houthis might be able to use missiles and booby-trapped boats to target ships and select their targets with high precision, granting them the ability to impact navigation through the corridor, which serves as a vital artery for international trade.

The newspaper revealed criticism within the Israeli security establishment over what it described as a "collapse of deterrence," alongside questions regarding what it claimed was "the absence of action by the Yemeni government and other parties in the region to halt the Houthi advance."

It also pointed to Israeli concerns that the consolidation of Houthi control over Bab al-Mandab could lead to the formation of what it claimed to be "a genuine and serious coalition led by Iran, capable of exerting widespread influence over maritime corridors in the region."

In light of these developments, the newspaper stated that the Israeli army has updated its preparedness, with Navy Commander Eyal Harel issuing instructions to raise the readiness of the naval system and command and control centers, while forces at sea have been reinforced to prevent any potential "surprises."

According to the Israeli perspective reported by the newspaper, developments in the Red Sea represent a broader strategic shift that it claimed "could extend its repercussions to the Mediterranean," in light of what Israel views as "the growing Iranian influence in the Strait of Hormuz and Houthi control over Bab al-Mandab."

Israel attaches special importance to freedom of maritime navigation, with the newspaper stating that about 98 percent of its imports arrive by sea, making any threat to maritime corridors a strategic challenge for the country.

In this context, the newspaper noted that U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday that "the Houthis do not want to fight us."

The control map in Yemen has witnessed significant changes over the past few days, with the Houthis announcing the capture of several districts in the Al-Hodeidah and Taiz governorates in the western coast region, in addition to Red Sea islands, including Mayyun Island located in the Bab al-Mandab Strait. This effectively means control over the strait, which is one of the world's most important maritime corridors.

In contrast, Yemeni government forces announced making progress in Al-Jawf governorate, bordering Saudi Arabia, and approaching the city of Al-Hazm, the governorate's administrative center.

They also reported launching airstrikes on Houthi targets in Al-Mokha and its surroundings, as well as areas in Taiz, Lahij, and Al-Dhale' governorates, claiming to have destroyed military vehicles and weapons, in addition to repelling a major attack on Marib.

Clashes between government forces and the Houthis have escalated since early July 2026, following years of relative calm.

Yemen has been mired in war since the Houthis took control of the capital, Sana'a, and several governorates in September 2014, prior to the intervention of a Saudi-led Arab coalition in March 2015 in support of the internationally recognized Yemeni government.