Retired Four-Star General Criticizes Biden Administration’s Defensive Posture Towards Iran-Backed Houthi Rebels
Fox News senior strategic analyst, retired four-star Gen. Jack Keane, expressed his bewilderment at the Biden administration’s defensive approach towards Iran-backed Houthi rebels. In an interview with Fox & Friends, Gen. Keane emphasized that the United States possesses the capability to defend itself and should take action to neutralize the rebels who have been targeting American ships and bases. His comments followed the recent attacks by the Houthis on cargo ships in the Red Sea.
Gen. Keane revealed his astonishment at the continued defensive stance of the U.S., stating, I am absolutely stunned that we’re still sitting there in a defensive mode. He argued that to effectively shut down the Houthi rebels, their capability to launch attacks must be eliminated. This would involve targeting their rockets, missiles, storage sites, and command and control system. Acknowledging the U.S.’s access to reliable intelligence on the Houthis, Gen. Keane also emphasized the need to hold Iran accountable for its role in supporting the rebels.
The retired general questioned why the U.S. remains in a defensive role, asserting that it makes no sense to him. While Gen. Keane acknowledged the upcoming deployment of a multi-task force to escort ships, he stressed that even this measure amounts to a defensive position. Instead, he urged for swift action to render the rebels incapable of launching further attacks, thereby deterring their Iranian backers from continuing to incite violence.
The need for a proactive approach is underscored by recent incidents. On Wednesday, the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Mason intercepted a Houthi drone in the Red Sea. The drone was heading towards the USS Mason, which had been responding to reports of Houthi attacks on the tanker Ardmore Encounter. Fortunately, there were no initial reports of damage or injuries.
This is not an isolated incident. On November 29, the USS Carney, another U.S. Navy destroyer, successfully shot down an Iranian-made Houthi drone. Previously, on October 19, the USS Carney had intercepted fifteen drones and four cruise missiles fired from Yemen in the northern Red Sea. While those intercepts were not purely defensive in nature, unlike the November 29 encounter, they highlight the ongoing threat posed by the Houthi rebels.
As tensions and attacks escalate in the region, critics argue that a defensive approach only emboldens Iran and enables the rebels to continue their attacks. Gen. Keane’s comments reflect growing concerns about the inadequacy of the current strategy and the need for a more assertive and proactive approach to protect American interests.
In conclusion, Gen. Jack Keane’s criticism of the Biden administration’s defensive posture towards Iran-backed Houthi rebels resonates with those who believe a more vigorous stance is necessary to confront the ongoing threat. With the capability to defend itself, the U.S. faces mounting pressure to take decisive action to neutralize the rebels and their Iranian backers.
