On March 15, 2025, a U.S. attack against Houthi targets in Yemen was partly based on intelligence provided to Washington by Israel. This revelation, reported by the Wall Street Journal, indicated that Tel Aviv supplied crucial information from a source in Yemen regarding a key Houthi military operator, specifically a missile expert who became the target of the U.S. assault.
The issue first came to light through messages published by Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, who was mistakenly added to a Signal chat by National Security Advisor Mike Waltz. In this chat, sensitive 'war plans' against the Iranian-aligned Houthis were discussed, leading to significant fallout.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Israeli officials expressed their displeasure over Waltz's sharing of sensitive intelligence in the chat, which included details about the attack. Waltz noted, "The first target, their main missile expert, we identified as he entered his girlfriend's building, which is now destroyed." He further stated that the U.S. had "multiple positive confirmations" on the target's identity, though he did not disclose the source of the information.
This incident has raised questions about the security of intelligence communications. Waltz's comments were made in response to inquiries from Vice President JD Vance about the raid's results, illustrating the high stakes involved in such military operations.
Israel's provision of intelligence stems from a long-standing and robust collaboration with the U.S. on intelligence matters, which has been cultivated over decades. This partnership is considered one of the closest in the world, involving the exchange of information gathered from human intelligence (HUMINT), signals intelligence (SIGINT), and other forms of intelligence sharing.
Moreover, the attack against the Houthis is perceived as a direct favor to Israel. The Houthi militia, which controls a significant portion of Yemen, has issued warnings in recent weeks that any Israeli vessels passing through the Red Sea would be targeted unless Israel lifts its blockade of food and aid to the Gaza Strip. Thus, striking a Houthi target aligns with Israeli interests, particularly in countering Iranian influence in the region.
In addition to the fallout from the Signal chat incident, Israel's dissatisfaction has been compounded by concerns over a potential rapprochement between the U.S. and Russia under the Trump administration. Reports suggest that Tel Aviv is contemplating a reduction in intelligence sharing with Washington due to apprehensions about this diplomatic shift. This sentiment is echoed among other traditional U.S. allies, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Saudi Arabia, all of whom are reportedly reassessing their intelligence-sharing protocols with the U.S.
The implications of these developments are significant. As the geopolitical landscape shifts, the dynamics of intelligence sharing among allies may evolve, potentially impacting national security strategies. The Israeli government’s discomfort with the accidental leak of sensitive information underscores the delicate balance of trust that underpins these relationships.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi defended the officials involved, asserting that the communication methods used, particularly Signal, are secure. In an interview with Fox News, she stated, "I don't believe foreign adversaries (of the United States) are able to hack Signal, as far as I know." Bondi's reassurances come amid ongoing concerns about cybersecurity, especially given recent attempts by Russian-linked spies to breach Signal accounts of Ukrainian soldiers by masquerading as trusted contacts.
Despite these assurances, the incident raises critical questions about the security of sensitive discussions and the potential for leaks that could jeopardize operations and international relations. The accidental inclusion of Goldberg in the chat has led to a broader conversation about the protocols surrounding intelligence sharing and the risks associated with modern communication technologies.
As the situation develops, it will be crucial for U.S. officials to navigate these challenges carefully, ensuring that intelligence operations remain effective while maintaining the trust of international partners. The ramifications of the March 15 attack and the subsequent fallout from the Signal chat will likely influence U.S.-Israeli relations and broader geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East.
In summary, the U.S. strike against Houthi targets in Yemen, bolstered by Israeli intelligence, has sparked controversy and concern over the security of sensitive communications. As the Trump administration seeks to redefine its foreign policy, the implications of this incident will resonate well beyond the immediate military objectives, potentially reshaping the landscape of international intelligence collaboration.
