After the Riyadh Attack, Washington Asks Israel's Chief of Staff Whether the IDF Could Strike Houthi Targets in Yemen

American officials have raised with IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir the question of whether Israel could hit Houthi targets in Yemen, as fighting between the Iran-backed terror group and Saudi Arabia escalates and missile attacks on Riyadh's international airport turn deadly. The approach came in place of an American request for Israel to strike Iran, which had been the subject of an earlier account. Footage published on Sunday, October 11, 2026, shows the moment of the missile strike on King Khalid International Airport on Saturday, October 10, 2026, which killed at least 12 people and wounded more than 300.

Washington is trying to avoid direct involvement in the crisis with the US midterm elections scheduled for November 2026. Zamir warned his American counterparts that an Israeli strike could trigger further escalation with the Houthis, and potentially with Iran, and could lead to an indefinite postponement of Israel's elections, currently set for Tuesday, October 27, 2026. In a conversation with US Central Command commander Adm. Brad Cooper, Zamir also discussed possible future strikes against Iran, though the two made no concrete plans for near-term military action.

The Israeli Air Force and the IDF's Military Intelligence Directorate remain on constant alert for escalation with Iran, which is still considered Israel's primary military front, and the Israeli and American militaries have kept up the close coordination established after the ceasefire that concluded Operation Roaring Lion in April 2026. Military Intelligence is building an extensive target bank in Iran covering missile capabilities, strike systems, military buildup, and facilities linked to the nuclear program. During a visit to Tel Nof Air Base in the first days of October 2026, Netanyahu warned that "there are signs that our enemies will try to attack us ahead of the elections," adding, "Don't mess with us, not now and not ever. Our long arm will reach you anywhere, anytime." (YNN/VFI News)

“Surely you need guidance to wage war, and victory is won through many advisers.” – Proverbs 24:6