Israel’s Next War as Soon as Next Week: Houthi Takedown and Iran’s Chilling Threat
Israel is preparing for a major military campaign against Yemen’s Houthi rebels, prompting Prime Minister Netanyahu to delay his trial, while Iran signals readiness for a new round of conflict. The fragile ceasefire, ongoing regional tensions, and Iran’s nuclear ambitions raise fears of a prolonged, multi-front “rolling war.”
Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz has directed the nation’s security apparatus to prepare for a large-scale campaign against the Iran-backed Houthi terrorists in Yemen, a move believed to be the primary reason behind Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s request to postpone his corruption trial hearings scheduled for this week. The decision comes as Israel braces for a potential escalation with Iran, despite a fragile ceasefire established on June 17, 2025, following Operation Rising Lion, which targeted Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure. Israeli and U.S. assessments indicate that the conflict is far from over, with a possible new round of hostilities within weeks or months, driven by unresolved tensions over Iran’s nuclear ambitions and regional proxy wars.
Israeli officials warn that the ceasefire’s stability is precarious without a binding diplomatic framework, noting that a single incident, such as an assassination, terrorist attack, or unidentified strike, could reignite the conflict. Israel has vowed to maintain “absolute freedom of action,” while Iran projects resilience and readiness to resume hostilities, with its nuclear program still a focal point. One grim scenario anticipates a “rolling war” with short, intense, and destructive clashes occurring every few months across multiple fronts, including Lebanon, Syria, and the Persian Gulf. Such a conflict could erode regional stability, deepen U.S. involvement, and perpetuate a cycle of low-intensity warfare.
Reports from Iran indicate heightened preparations, with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei ordering the repositioning of missile launchers to strategic hideouts and placing all forces on full operational alert. Khamenei reportedly overruled the Supreme Council’s ceasefire decision, with his new advisor stating, “Khamenei never wanted a ceasefire at such an early stage! He is preparing for the next round, which will come soon, and Khamenei will initiate it.” This follows Israel’s strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, including Sanaa’s airport and power stations, after their missile attacks on Israel, such as the May 4, 2025, strike on Ben Gurion Airport. Netanyahu emphasized, “We will not tolerate it and will take very strong retaliatory action against them,” adding, “We will do what needs to be done to deliver a proper warning to Iran that we cannot tolerate such acts.”