Abdul-Malik Al-Houthi Declares Intensified Battle Against Israel
The leader of the Houthis, Abdul-Malik Al-Houthi, has proclaimed that the ongoing conflict with Israel has reached a critical juncture. In a recent speech, he addressed the delay in retaliating against an Israeli airstrike on the port of Hodeidah, attributing it to tactical considerations rather than a lack of resolve. Al-Houthi emphasized that the decision to respond is unified across the so-called 'axis of resistance,' which encompasses various fronts including Yemen, Lebanon, and Iraq. He stated, “The battle with Israel is at its peak,” underscoring the determination of his group to retaliate effectively against perceived aggressions from Israel and its allies. Al-Houthi dismissed external pressures from American and European nations, insisting that such intimidation would not deter their commitment to respond to what he termed as ‘the enemy.’
The backdrop of Al-Houthi's statements is the escalating tensions in the region, particularly following recent violent incidents, including the assassination of key figures in the Palestinian resistance. The Houthis have been actively targeting Israeli interests, including cargo ships, as a form of solidarity with Gaza since November. This has prompted retaliatory actions from the US-led Prosperity Coalition, which has conducted operations against Houthi positions in Yemen. Al-Houthi's rhetoric reflects a broader sentiment within the region, calling for unified action among Islamic nations to support the Palestinian cause and resist Israeli aggression.