Challenges Faced by Israel in Targeting Houthi Leaders Compared to Iran

Israel's Targeting Challenges in Yemen

In Iran, Israel has successfully executed precise operations against top nuclear scientists and military officials. However, in Yemen, efforts against Houthi rebels have not yielded similar success. This raises the question: why is Israel, known for its formidable intelligence agencies, unable to effectively target Houthi leaders? Several intriguing factors contribute to this situation.

Houthi Rebels' Response to Regional Conflicts

When the conflict between Hamas and Israel erupted in October 2023, the Houthi rebels also escalated their activities. They initiated missile and drone strikes in the Red Sea, targeting various international vessels, which severely disrupted trade through the Suez Canal. Despite airstrikes from the US and UK against the Houthis, the US eventually found itself in negotiations with them. This indicates that the Houthis have evolved from being mere insurgents to significant players backed by Iran, capable of influencing major powers.

Difficulty in Identifying Houthi Leaders

The structure of the Houthi organization is notably different. In countries like Iran, there is a clear hierarchy identifying key scientists and generals. In contrast, most Houthi commanders operate on the ground without public recognition of their names or faces. The only widely known figure is the supreme leader, Abdul Malik al-Houthi, leaving the rest of the leadership shrouded in secrecy. This obscurity complicates Israel's ability to compile a target list.

Technological Isolation of Houthi Leaders

In modern warfare, data collection, call tracing, and location tracking are crucial. However, Houthi leaders have deliberately distanced themselves from technology. They are largely cut off from mobile phones, satellite devices, and online communication, making it extremely challenging to monitor their activities.

Lack of Pre-Planned Operations in Yemen

Israel's network in Iran is well-established and has been built over years of intelligence planning, providing insights into scientists' routines, movements, and security measures. Conversely, Yemen lacks such a robust intelligence framework, making surgical or targeted operations difficult.

Are Airstrikes the Only Solution?

To date, Israel has conducted airstrikes in Houthi-controlled areas, targeting ports like Hudaydah, Ras Isa, and Al-Salif, as well as a power station. Additionally, in November 2023, an attack was launched on the hijacked cargo ship Galaxy Leader. However, these strikes primarily damage infrastructure rather than eliminating Houthi commanders.