Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly conveyed a stern message to President Biden, stating that Israel is prepared to take military action against the Houthi movement in Yemen if the U.S. does not intervene. This comes amidst rising tensions in the Middle East, with the Houthi movement, aligned with Iran, engaging in hostilities against Israeli and U.S. forces.
Tzachi Hanegbi, Israel's national security chief of staff, emphasized the urgency of responding to the Houthi group's aggression, which includes attacks on Israeli-linked ships in vital waterways. Netanyahu's warning to Biden was clear: If you don't act against the Houthis, we will act militarily.
The situation escalated after three commercial vessels were attacked in the Red Sea, prompting a U.S. warship to intercept Houthi drones. While the U.S. cited self-defense, Israel views the ship attacks as Iranian acts of terrorism with implications for international maritime security.
Despite efforts to seek comments from the White House, the State Department, and Netanyahu's office, there has been no official response. The recent seizure of a British-owned cargo ship with ties to an Israeli company by the Houthis has further heightened tensions.
In response to Houthi actions, the U.S. Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on individuals and entities funding Houthi attacks in Yemen. The Houthi movement, claiming solidarity with the Palestinians, has declared a ban on ships bound for Israeli ports, threatening armed forces' action against any vessels if Gaza's essential needs are not met. The situation remains fluid as diplomatic pressures mount.
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