(JPost) The Houthis have raised their combat readiness to the highest possible level in preparation for an expected Israeli retaliation, according to reports in Saudi media on Wednesday.

The Houthis ordered the evacuation of areas near the port in the major coastal city of Hodeidah. They have also moved most military forces to the frontline with government forces.

Local sources told Ashraq Al-Aswat that many new recruits were sent to the frontlines after Israeli leadership threatened that they would do to the Houthis what they did to Hezbollah. Many more experienced units were moved into the cities in preparation for a possible popular uprising against the group.

Commercial sources revealed that the Houthis had evacuated their warehouses in the “Kilo 7” district of Hodeidah due to the fear of an attack.