Israeli security officials have raised alarms that Yemen’s Houthi movement is training thousands of fighters for a potential large-scale invasion of Israel, modeled on Hamas’s October 7 attack, according to a report from Ynet.

Officials warn that Houthi forces could attempt to infiltrate Israel by crossing through Jordan or Syria. Intelligence assessments indicate the Houthis have significantly upgraded their capabilities, including longer-range missiles, advanced drones, and fortified underground weapons depots designed to withstand Israeli airstrikes.

In response, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has established a new 96th Division tasked with securing the eastern border. The unit will be reinforced by 12,000 reservists, alongside the construction of new outposts, barriers, and security infrastructure.

Israel is also working closely with Jordan to coordinate border defense, though officials acknowledge that several vulnerable areas remain. Defense planners estimate it could take years before the frontier is fully secured against a possible Houthi assault.

The warnings highlight growing regional threats, as militant groups expand their reach and capabilities beyond Gaza and Lebanon, adding new pressure on Israel’s defense network.