Daniel Davis Deep Dive BREAKING: Escalation Achieved, Yemen's Houthis Fire on Israel
Mar 28, 2026
Breaking Middle East strikes and the Houthi claim of ballistic attacks on southern Israel. Analysis of the axis of resistance and phased regional escalation. Risks to global trade at Bab al-Mandab and Hormuz. Concerns about missile, drone and interceptor depletion and the limits of airpower. Worries about a costly ground invasion and rising domestic political pressure.
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Small Force Can Cause Major Trade Shock
- The Houthis' Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab attacks risk disrupting roughly 10% of global trade, amplifying their strategic impact beyond their limited military size.
- Davis notes Saudi diversions to Yanbu and warns shutting Bab al-Mandab plus Hormuz would severely escalate global economic effects.
Survival Not Defeat Is Houthi Strategy
- The Houthis have withstood sustained superior air campaigns before and remain militarily viable by surviving rather than defeating opponents.
- Davis recounts the 2015 Saudi-led campaign and how the Houthis endured airstrikes to reach a stalemate.
Missile Math Is Shifting Strategic Advantage
- U.S. and Israeli munitions and interceptor stocks are being depleted rapidly, creating a 'missile math' problem that advantages Iran and its allies.
- Davis cites tens of thousands of strikes, large Tomahawk usage, and interceptor exhaustion as constraints on sustained operations.