Moscow. December 21. INTERFAX - The announcement by the Houthis in Yemen of recruiting volunteers for the war against Israel in the Gaza Strip could dramatically expand the Israel-Hamas military conflict to the entire region.
On this topic, our special correspondent Vyacheslav Terekhov talks with Reserve Major General, Deputy Director of the Institute of the USA and Canada, member of the Council on Foreign and Defense Policy Pavel Zolotarev.
And yet, the expansion of the conflict to the point of transport collapse?
- The announcement by the Houthis (a Shiite paramilitary group in northern Yemen) of a call to recruit volunteers to Gaza for the war against Israel may lead to an expansion of the conflict throughout the Middle East. At the same time, I proceed from the fact that Iran is "behind" the Houthis, and, accordingly, Hezbollah with its 150,000 guided and unguided missiles.
- A serious situation is really unfolding in this area of the world, because the Houthis have begun to actively identify themselves. Moreover, they do have serious support from Iran. So far, Hamas has no support from Iran, but it is supported by Turkish President Erdogan. Realizing this, the Americans are planning a coalition operation in order to contain the fighting spirit of the Houthis.
- In response, the Houthis can, as they have repeatedly stated, block access to the Red Sea. This is leading to a serious international transport collapse!
- Remember, there was already a period when sea pirates were active there. But they were dealt with quickly enough, not by attracting special forces with their machine guns and cannons, but by connecting the special services to the problem. They used their leverage over those who controlled these pirates.
Probably now, in addition to the power component, which still cannot be excluded, the main efforts to stabilize the Houthi naval operations will be focused on another front. Most likely, those who are going to steer maritime operations will be affected again. I am sure that they will find these levers.
However, all this, at the same time, leads to a prolongation of the conflict in Gaza.
We will have to occupy the south of the sector as well.
- What do you mean? The war is already going on there.
- Israel will be forced to occupy the entire territory of the Gaza Strip, both north and south. More precisely, Israel will no longer be able to limit itself to a statement about the destruction of the main bases and main facilities of Hamas. They would provide an opportunity to end hostilities to reassure the international community.
- Does this mean that the Israeli army will have to squeeze the population out of southern Gaza? And there are about two million people there, including people who have moved from the northern part of the sector.
- I don't think they will squeeze them out, but Israel will be forced to take control of the entire territory of the sector. It should be borne in mind that if the entire powerful part of the tunnels was concentrated in the north of the sector, then in the southern part the entire military structure of Hamas lies on the surface. This means that, to a certain extent, it will be easier for the Israeli army to cope with the paramilitary resistance of the enemy. At the same time, it is not necessary to squeeze out the population from there.
And at the same time, it must be understood that the task of taking control of this part of the territory cannot be solved by bombing.
- Will a ground operation be needed in full accordance with this name? Not the destruction of underground utilities, but the seizure of territory?
- Yes, in this operation it will be necessary to involve all ground forces, often in police mode, and this, of course, is long in time and, most importantly, unfortunately, there is no escape from losses.
There will most likely be no transport collapse!
- I risk being accused of cynicism, but if the Houthis begin to block transport routes in the Red Sea, then European countries will have to use the International North-South Transport Corridor: from the ice-free port of Murmansk by rail through Iran (although part of the route is still being completed there) and further East. Moreover, it is both faster and cheaper.
- I think that the Americans, by influencing the relevant Houthi leaders, or rather, those who "pull the strings" in all these processes, will quickly cope with the task.
