Israel's Diplomatic Push Against the Houthis
In a significant move, Israel has directed its embassies and diplomatic missions across Europe to advocate for the classification of the Houthi group in Yemen as a terrorist organization. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar emphasized that the Houthis represent a threat not only to Israel but also to regional and global stability. This initiative comes amid escalating tensions as the Houthis have been actively launching missiles and drones towards Israel in support of Gaza, particularly since the onset of the Gaza conflict on October 7, 2023.
Escalating Threats and Regional Implications
The situation has prompted millions of Israelis to seek shelter multiple times within a week due to Houthi missile attacks. The Israeli Broadcasting Authority reported these incidents, highlighting the urgency of the threat. Furthermore, the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth noted the implications of a recent crash of an American F-18 fighter jet over the Red Sea, suggesting that the incident underscores the challenges posed by the Houthis not only to Israel but also to the United States and its allies. The publication raised concerns about the effectiveness of the US-led coalition in deterring Houthi aggression, especially as the group continues to demonstrate resilience against airstrikes and remains undeterred by the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.
Houthi Operations and Regional Stability
Since the outbreak of the Gaza war, the Houthis have vowed to persist in their operations, framing their actions as support for Gaza. They have declared that their missile and drone attacks will continue until what they term
unless the aggression on the Strip stops.
This ongoing conflict raises questions about the broader implications for regional security and the potential for further escalation involving multiple actors in the Middle East.
