Staff Reports
Tensions in the Middle East have surged as Israel faced a barrage of missile attacks from Yemen’s Iranian-backed Houthi rebels, with at least four launches in a single day. One missile struck the perimeter of Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport, briefly halting air traffic and exposing the vulnerabilities in Israel’s much-touted missile defense systems. Despite multiple attempts, both Israeli and advanced U.S. interceptors failed to neutralize the threat, raising serious questions about the effectiveness of current defensive strategies. The Houthis, emboldened by Iranian support, have vowed to continue targeting Israeli infrastructure and international shipping, escalating the risk for the entire region.
The U.S. response under President Trump has been forceful and unapologetic. The administration has launched a more intense and extensive air campaign against Houthi targets than seen in previous years, striking not only missile sites but also leadership and logistical hubs deep within Yemen. Vice President JD Vance has been clear: the priority is to secure global shipping routes and protect American interests, even as he voices frustration over European nations benefitting from U.S. military might without sharing the burden. This approach marks a welcome return to prioritizing American security and economic interests over endless diplomatic dithering.
Yet, as military strategists have pointed out, airstrikes alone are not enough to break the Houthis’ grip. The rebels have proven resilient, adapting to each new round of strikes and maintaining their capacity to disrupt global trade and threaten allies. Calls are growing for a broader coalition effort, enlisting regional partners like Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, who have firsthand experience battling the Houthis. Only a united front, combining air power with ground support, stands a chance of decisively rolling back Iranian influence and restoring stability in Yemen.
The Trump administration’s willingness to project strength in the Red Sea and beyond is a necessary corrective to the failed appeasement and half-measures of previous years. The extension of U.S. carrier deployments in the region sends a clear message: America will not tolerate threats to its interests or those of its allies. However, the administration must ensure that military action is matched by a coherent strategy that includes regional partners and holds Iran accountable for its proxy warfare.
Ultimately, the events unfolding in Yemen and Israel are a stark reminder that weakness invites aggression. The U.S. must act decisively, not only to protect its own interests but to demonstrate to adversaries worldwide that American resolve is unshakable. Half-measures and endless negotiations have only emboldened the enemies of freedom. Now is the time for a robust, coordinated response that restores deterrence, secures vital trade routes, and pushes back against the tide of Iranian-backed extremism threatening the Middle East and the world.
