According to Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz Iran is opening another front against Israel. This time to its south – in the Red Sea.
“Today, we can confirm that Iran is methodically basing itself in the Red Sea, with warships patrolling the southern region,” Defense Minister Benny Gantz said at an event in Greece. “In the last months, we have identified the most significant Iranian military presence in the area, in the past decade.”
Iran’s steps in the Red Sea bring back memories of the beginning stages of the Six Day War just over 55 years ago, when Nasser of Egypt closed the Straights of Tiran – effectively blockading Israel.
While Iran has not reached that point of control over the Red Sea – its growing presence is dangerous to Israel in other ways. Its proxy group, the Houthis in Yemen have countless ballistic missiles and assassin drones meant to attack Israel and Saudi Arabia.
Iranian vessels can also cause havoc on Israeli and Saudi shipping in the gulf thus damaging global oil and gas supplies, causing problems in global energy supplies, already experiencing increased disruption and a dramatic rise in energy prices..
With Russia in the North and Iran closing in on all sides – Israel is distracting with what seems recurring elections and instability in its political system. With the untested and self absorbed Yair Lapid as Prime Minister, Israel is facing its most serious security situation in decades.