Tel Aviv: Two weeks ago, Israeli Air Force fighter aircraft escorted by aerial refueling aircraft flew 2000 km to Yemen to destroy sites that assisted the Houthi rebels in launching ballistic missiles to hit targets in Israel.
In recent months, Israel has attacked Houthi targets in Yemen a few times. The main targets were ports, fuel depots, and power stations. But the Iranian proxy still launches missiles.
On the early hours of May 23 another ballistic missile was launched and intercepted by the Israeli Arrow 3 missile defence system.
According to the Missile Threat website, the Israeli Jericho 3 ballistic missile has a range of 4800 -6500 km.
Israeli defence sources that talked with Raksha Anirveda on condition of anonymity raised the option of using ballistic missiles instead of using aircraft in such a long distance mission.
There is no official explanation of why Israel has not yet used its various versions of its Jericho long range ballistic missiles for the mission.
But here are some possible answers.
Ballistic missiles are typically reserved for high-value, time-sensitive, or strategic targets, and their use is often constrained by range, accuracy, and international considerations. The use of heavy air dropped munitions allows for more precise targeting and minimises the risk of collateral damage.
Ballistic missile launched to hit Yemen would have serious military and diplomatic implications. The United States and Saudi Arabia are two of the many international actors that monitor the airspace over Yemen. Both countries have launched their own efforts against the Houthis.
In order to counter the Houthi threat, Israel is working with partners, especially the US, to coordinate its reaction and is working to form a larger coalition. These initiatives might be hampered by unilateral ballistic missile strikes, which also run the risk of escalation with Iran or other regional players.
Because Houthi military infrastructure is often dispersed, mobile, or hardened, ballistic missiles are less effective against these types of targets. In general, it is more effective to degrade such capabilities through coalition efforts, special operations, and airstrikes.
These are some possible considerations that brought Israel not to use its ballistic missiles against the Houthis. Sources say that in case of a full scale military confrontation with Iran, Israel’s current approach might change.
-The writer is an Israel-based freelance journalist. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
