Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appears to have enacted a new security doctrine of proactive strikes against distant enemies, with the assassination of the Houthi prime minister serving as the first major example. Netanyahu called the raid a “fatal blow” and a sign of a new approach.
This shift in strategy is a direct response to the persistent threat posed by the Houthis, whose missile attacks and Red Sea disruptions have challenged Israeli security since the Gaza war began. The group justifies its actions as solidarity with Palestinians.
The successful operation demonstrates Israel’s capability to project power far beyond its borders, thanks to superior intelligence and military technology. However, the mission was incomplete, as key Houthi military leaders survived the attack.
The Houthis have vowed revenge, raising the stakes for this new, more aggressive doctrine. While it disrupts enemy leadership, experts warn it also risks provoking wider conflicts and may not deter ideologically driven foes.