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Antony Blinken, US Secretary of State, recently reiterated the United States' commitment to supporting its allies in the Middle East, including Israel, in the face of growing threats from Iran-backed armed groups. At a press conference in Washington, he said: “We remain firmly committed to defending our partners in the Middle East against any threats from Iranian-backed groups. » (Hadderekh, 22 December 2024).
The statement follows Houthi missile attacks on Israel, which highlighted ongoing security challenges in the region. It reflects a desire by the United States to strengthen its position as a key player in regional stabilization, while responding to criticism of a perceived withdrawal from Middle East affairs in recent years.
American strikes in Yemen: a clear message to Tehran
In response to recent Houthi aggression, US forces have carried out a series of targeted airstrikes on strategic infrastructure in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa. These strikes, targeting weapons depots and command centers, were described by Blinken as “necessary measures to protect our allies and guarantee the security of international navigation in the region” (Hadderekh, 22 December 2024).
Israel welcomed these actions, considering them a strong signal sent to Tehran and its proxies. However, regional experts note that these strikes, although effective in the short term, risk reinforcing the anti-American rhetoric of armed groups and intensifying tensions.
Israel-USA cooperation: a strengthened strategic alliance
The United States continues to play a central role in Israel's security. Blinken stressed the importance of joint military exercises and intelligence sharing in combating cross-border threats. In addition, Washington recently approved additional funding for the development of Israeli missile defense systems, such as the Iron Dome and the “Hetz” system, in response to criticism of their effectiveness in the face of recent Houthi fire.
Despite these advances, some Israeli analysts are calling for increased strategic autonomy to reduce dependence on the United States, particularly in a context where American geopolitical priorities could shift.
A strategic repositioning in Syria
The role of the United States in Syria was also highlighted by Antony Blinken, with an approach aimed at containing jihadist threats while stabilizing the region after the fall of Assad. The recent visit of U.S. officials to Damascus for talks with local officials reflects an effort to fill the void left by Russian and Iranian forces.
For Israel, this repositioning raises questions. If Washington aims to ease tensions in Syria, some fear that this approach could lead to a strengthening of hostile groups, particularly those linked to Iran, operating under the guise of moderation. Blinken nevertheless asserted that “The interests of our allies remain at the heart of our actions in the Middle East. »
Criticisms of American strategy
Despite recent actions, American policy in the Middle East has not escaped criticism. Some regional partners criticize Washington for a lack of clarity in its priorities, oscillating between targeted interventions and a stated desire to reduce its military footprint in the region.
In Israel, critical voices question the sustainability of American commitment, particularly in a context of internal political polarization in the United States and competing geopolitical priorities, such as the rise of China and tensions in Europe. ballast. These uncertainties fuel debates on the urgency for Israel to diversify its strategic alliances.
Global issues for regional stability
Blinken's statements, combined with recent military actions, highlight US efforts to maintain influence in a region marked by multiple crises. However, the success of this strategy will largely depend on Washington's ability to collaborate with its local partners, while balancing the demands of its allies with its own strategic interests.
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