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Tel Aviv – Following a series of airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, Israeli Air Force (IAF) pilots and commanders have declared their readiness to carry out an attack on Iran if necessary.
The bold statements underscore growing tensions between Israel and Tehran, with officials suggesting a direct confrontation may be required to curb Iran’s regional influence and nuclear ambitions.
“We will be ready for any scenario or order, even if it is 90 degrees to the east,” one IAF commander told the Walla news site on Monday, referring to Iran’s geographical location relative to Israel.
Long-Distance Strikes Showcase IAF Capabilities
The IAF’s operation on Friday targeted Houthi-held positions in Yemen, including the Hodeida and Ras Isa ports and the Hezyaz power plant near Sanaa.
The mission, executed nearly 2,000 kilometers (1,242 miles) from Israel, involved over 20 aircraft, including fighter jets, refueling planes, and intelligence-gathering assets.
Approximately 50 precision munitions were deployed, demonstrating the air force’s operational range and technological sophistication.
A squadron commander who participated in the strikes told Channel 12, “Yemen is farther away than Iran. If I were sitting in Iran, I wouldn’t sit calmly. The air force is ready to attack Iran now.”
Rising Threats from Houthis and Iran
Since October 2023, the Iranian-backed Houthis have launched over 350 drones and ballistic missiles toward Israel, targeting military installations and civilian areas.
The attacks coincide with broader regional unrest, including the October 7, 2023, Hamas assault on southern Israel, which killed over 1,200 people and took 251 hostages.
Israeli officials view the Houthis’ aggression as a direct extension of Iran’s strategy to destabilize the region through proxy forces.
Despite the recent strikes in Yemen, some security officials argue that targeting Houthi infrastructure alone may not sufficiently deter future attacks.
Mossad chief David Barnea has reportedly advocated for a direct strike on Iran, describing it as “the head of the snake” responsible for arming and financing the Houthis.
Strategic Concerns Over Iran’s Nuclear Program
Beyond proxy conflicts, Israel remains deeply concerned about Iran’s nuclear activities. Tehran’s enrichment of uranium to 60 percent purity, a technical step away from weapons-grade material, has drawn condemnation from Israel and its allies.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has highlighted Iran’s growing stockpile, which raises fears of a nuclear escalation in the region.
Israel has carried out two direct attacks on Iranian facilities in the past year, targeting air defenses and missile production sites in response to Iranian aggression.
In April, the IAF struck an air defense battery near a nuclear facility after Iran launched a barrage of drones and missiles at Israel.
Heightened Regional Tensions
The United States has also weighed military options against Iran, with reports suggesting President Joe Biden’s administration considered strikes before the transition to President-elect Donald Trump on January 20.
Israeli officials believe a coordinated approach with the U.S. could amplify pressure on Tehran to abandon its nuclear ambitions.
As Israeli pilots declare their readiness for action, the possibility of a direct confrontation between Israel and Iran looms large, threatening to escalate an already volatile situation in the Middle East.