The massive airstrikes on Sanaa mark a clear evolution in Israel’s strategy toward the Houthis, shifting from a primarily defensive posture to a new, aggressive offensive one. This change was prompted by the rebels’ escalating tactics, particularly their use of a cluster bomb.
For months, Israel’s strategy was one of interception and containment. The focus was on its multi-layered air defense systems—like the Arrow and David’s Sling—to shoot down incoming Houthi missiles and drones. The fight was kept at arm’s length, over Israeli skies.
The confirmation of the cluster bomb warhead changed the calculus. A purely defensive strategy was deemed insufficient to deter such a significant threat. The decision was made to shift to an offensive strategy: to take the fight to the enemy and actively degrade their capabilities at the source.
Prime Minister Netanyahu’s vow to attack not just attackers but also those who “plan” to attack is the verbal declaration of this new doctrine. The ruins in Sanaa are its first physical manifestation. Israel is no longer just shielding itself; it is now actively hunting its distant foe.