(JNS) Dr. Harold Rhode - Following Israel's recent strike on Houthi targets, White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby said: "We did not participate in today's Israeli attack on Yemen and did not help Israel." This is wonderful news. It shows to the Iranians, Arab states and others that Israel is an independent actor and demonstrates that Israel is willing to go it alone against the advice or demands of the Americans. It shows the Sunni Arab countries that Israel is a reliable partner against the Iranian regime because Israel will do what it must to protect itself and stop Iran and its proxies. The distance between Iran and Israel's target in Hodeida, Yemen (2,000 km.), is beyond the flight range of the F-35 fighter jet. That means the Israelis had to refuel during the trip. Since America didn't help them, the Israelis figured out a way to do so by themselves. The flight distance is the same as between Israel and most of Iran. Thus, the strike is a serious warning to Iran. Middle Easterners despise weakness. Israel's successful attack on Iran and the Houthis in Yemen demonstrates strength. Israel has gained new respect for its willingness to decimate its enemies. The writer, a fellow of the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs, served as an adviser on the Islamic world for the U.S. Department of Defense for 28 years.
2024-07-23 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive