Yemen’s Houthis have emerged as a potent regional force following their military actions during the Israel-Gaza war. Leveraging support for Palestine, the group has gained popularity domestically while challenging Israeli and Western interests. Despite facing increased military actions from the US and UK, the Houthis’ resilience and control over their territories continue to pose significant challenges to regional stability.
Since the beginning of the Israel-Gaza conflict in October 2023, Yemen’s Houthi movement has repositioned itself as a significant regional actor. Initially struggling against the Yemeni government and a Saudi-led coalition, the Houthis have now demonstrated military capabilities by launching attacks on Israel, thereby shifting their international perception and increasing their threat level to Israeli and Western interests. Their newfound willingness to confront these powers has raised concerns across the region.
The Houthis, once seen as a local force, are now claiming a role in the regional resistance against Western influence, particularly emphasizing their support for the Palestinian cause. Domestically, they have capitalized on pro-Palestinian sentiment within Yemen, garnering sympathy and backing from Yemenis, despite their past reputation for repression. Abdullah Yahia, a Sanaa graduate, expressed that the Houthis’ support for Gaza showcased their courage, leading to a shift in his views towards them.
Adel Dashela, an expert at Columbia Global Centers, noted the Houthis have seen increased global popularity due to their stance on Gaza, which resonates with many who view the plight of Palestinians as unjust. Moreover, the group’s military activities, particularly against international shipping, have had a substantial impact on the shipping industry, leading to heightened avoidance of the Red Sea route, thus raising shipping costs.
The Houthis have transitioned from being a localized threat to one that directly challenges Israeli and Western interests. Following the recent ceasefire in Gaza, their leadership issued warnings of resuming attacks on Israel if any breaches occur. The US and UK have since intensified military actions against Houthi targets, reflecting their new positioning as a foreign terrorist organization under the Biden administration, a move perceived as part of a broader effort to counteract Iranian influence in the region.
The Houthis responded with condemnation of renewed US designations, claiming these actions exacerbate the suffering of Yemenis who support the Palestinian cause. The Houthis are prepared for military escalation as they face growing opposition from the US and Israeli administrations, which view the Houthis as a critical security concern needing containment. Khalfan al-Touqi predicts that the weakening of other Iranian proxies in the region allows Western powers to prioritize diminishing the Houthis’ influence and capabilities.
Despite the potential for concerted military efforts against them, the Houthis have historically endured stronger foes. Regional dynamics may shift, necessitating Houthis to reconsider their operational strategies if the Gaza conflict stabilizes. The cessation of hostilities could prompt them to scale back attacks, whereas a resurgence in Gaza could lead to intensified scrutiny and military responses from Israel and the West.
The Houthis are distinctly different from Iran’s other proxy forces due to limited intelligence insights into their operations. Their resilience is further bolstered by a well-equipped military and firm territorial control within Yemen, alongside the fragility of their Yemeni adversaries. Analysts suggest their rapid collapse is not assured, as the Houthis possess significant resources that could withstand prolonged conflict against both regional and international forces.
The Houthis have transitioned from a local military group to a significant challenge for Israeli and Western interests, leveraging regional conflicts to enhance their influence. Their actions and the inability of their enemies to effectively counteract them highlights the complex dynamics surrounding this group. The global shipping industry has notably felt the impact of Houthi policies, complicating international maritime operations. Meanwhile, the response from the US and other Western nations has intensified against the Houthis, marking them as a terrorist entity and increasing military efforts to contain their power. Despite these pressures, the Houthis’ resilience and local support complicate the prospects of defeating the group, as they possess the capacity to sustain prolonged conflict. Any escalation in the Gaza conflict may further complicate these dynamics, making the situation increasingly precarious for all involved parties.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
