In a significant move, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are reportedly recruiting Yemeni Jews to assist in intelligence operations against the Iran-aligned Houthi rebels in Yemen. According to a report by Kan News, the IDF is enlisting individuals who speak the Yemeni dialect, including those who have immigrated to Israel and those raised in Yemeni-speaking families.

The report indicates that the recruits will aid the Israeli military in gathering intelligence and enhancing understanding of Yemeni language and culture. Some of the enlisted individuals have emigrated from Yemen, while others were born into families that continue to speak the dialect.

Kan News also noted that senior U.S. officials informed their Israeli counterparts of an impending increase in American strikes against the Houthis before the end of President Biden's administration on January 20. As part of this strategy, the U.S. aims to target missile sites, given the rising frequency of missile launches from Yemen towards Israel.

An informed source told Kan 11 News that President Biden has authorized military operations against the Houthis. The U.S. administration has also urged Israel to carefully assess its targets in Yemen to ensure they are military in nature and not civilian.