According to intelligence assessments, Russian President Vladimir Putin is considering deepening his involvement in the Middle East by supporting the Iran-backed Houthi organization. This move could represent a significant escalation in relations between Russia and the United States, which until now have focused mainly on the Ukrainian arena.

The commander of the U.S. Central Command recently sent a warning letter to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, noting that current military actions against the Houthis are not deterring them from continuing their attacks on ships in the Red Sea. In light of this, the White House is considering increasing the intensity of the American response.

In response to the developing threat, the United States has initiated a diplomatic effort through a third country in an attempt to persuade Putin not to join Iran in arming the Houthis. Meanwhile, the U.S. Central Command has been asked to prepare an expanded list of potential targets in Yemen, including senior leaders in the Houthi organization.

U.S. administration officials argue that more extensive actions could have been taken to protect commercial shipping, such as striking large weapons depots and selecting targets with greater potential for significant impact on the organization. However, it appears that so far, the administration has avoided dramatic escalation.

Recent developments are causing concern among security experts, as they indicate a further rapprochement between Russia and the Iranian axis. Moscow has already tightened its ties with North Korea and Iran and received promises of assistance from China in strengthening the Russian defense industry.

While the Kremlin has yet to officially respond to the reports, diplomatic sources estimate that Russia may see arming the Houthis as a means of pressuring the West and a way to expand its influence in the region. On the other hand, Israel and the United States view this development as a potential threat to regional stability and freedom of navigation in Red Sea routes.

As tensions rise, it seems that the international arena is facing new challenges. The central question remains: Will Putin indeed choose to follow in the footsteps of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and become another significant player in the Middle Eastern arena?

הפוסט Putin on His Way to Nasrallah? Russia Considering Arming the Houthis הופיע לראשונה ב-מעקב.

Nasrallah, who led the organization for thirty years, was killed along with Ali Karaki, the commander of Hezbollah's Southern Front. According to reports, the two were in an underground headquarters beneath residential buildings at the time of the attack. A senior security source noted that the headquarters served as a center for planning and commanding operations against Israel.

The attack was carried out jointly by the Air Force, Intelligence Division, and Operations Division of the IDF. Security officials emphasize that Nasrallah was responsible for a long series of attacks, kidnappings, and terrorist acts against Israelis and foreign citizens over the years.

Despite the elimination, the IDF warns that the threat from Hezbollah has not been completely removed. It was reported that Israeli air forces continue to strike the organization's terrorist infrastructure throughout Lebanon, including in the Beqaa Valley, the city of Tyre, and Dahieh. Security officials note that these are strategic capabilities built over years with Iranian assistance and funding.

Following these developments, Home Front Command guidelines have been updated. The Defense Minister has approved a ban on gatherings of over 1,000 people in certain areas in central Israel. The public is called to continue adhering to Home Front Command instructions and follow updates through official channels.

Security officials emphasize that despite the significant achievement, the campaign is not over. Among the main tasks still on the agenda: returning the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza and safely bringing residents of the north and south back to their homes.

It is estimated that in the coming days, high security tension is expected, both on the northern border and in other arenas. Security forces are preparing for a variety of possible scenarios, including a potential response from Hezbollah or other elements identified with the "axis of resistance".

The elimination of Nasrallah marks a significant turning point in the campaign against Hezbollah and in the overall struggle against terrorist organizations in the region. However, intelligence sources assess that the organization still holds significant operational capabilities, and tension on the northern border is expected to continue in the foreseeable future.

הפוסט Elimination of Nasrallah: A Severe Blow to Hezbollah הופיע לראשונה ב-מעקב.