Israel has emphasized to Biden administration officials the necessity for freedom of action in the Red Sea concerning Houthi attacks, Yisrael Hayom reported on Wednesday. Israel, while not a formal member of the U.S.-led coalition combating Houthi aggression, asserts its independent operational liberty while coordinating with coalition leaders.
Meetings involving Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Israeli counterparts, and discussions with National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and the War Cabinet ministers conveyed Israel’s support for the coalition. However, Israel clarified that it wouldn’t subordinate itself to coalition members when responding to attacks, particularly concerning ongoing launches toward Eilat.
A mutual agreement emerged wherein Israel retains operational independence but commits to coordination with the United States. Despite Houthi aggressions prompting U.S. interceptions, the U.S. hasn’t retaliated despite acknowledging Iran’s involvement.
Amid the recent establishment of a coalition ensuring Red Sea navigation, further attacks occurred, met without immediate response by the new force. Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s directive to shift Houthi provocations into an international issue, allowing focus on Gaza, has resulted in the coalition’s creation, marking an Israeli achievement.
During his recent Israel visit, Austin announced the establishment of a defense coalition to safeguard shipping lanes in the southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The coalition comprises the United States, Britain, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Bahrain, and the Seychelles. Notably, Egypt, despite significant revenue loss due to tanker diversions, opted out of coalition participation.
Source: Hamodia
