Amid escalating conflicts in the Middle East, Yemen’s Houthi rebels have intensified military operations against Israel, positioning themselves as significant regional players. Their recent attacks on Israeli interests and shipping have drawn international attention to their evolving strategy, raising questions about their alliances and future role in the region.
Yemen’s Houthi rebels have sought to capitalize on the ongoing regional conflicts by intensifying their military operations against Israel and asserting their role as significant actors in Middle Eastern affairs. Following Israel’s vigorous response to Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis demonstrated their capabilities by launching a ballistic missile targeting Israel’s main airport as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu returned from a United Nations visit.
The Houthi movement, supported by Iran, initially gained prominence by seizing Yemen’s northern territories and its capital, Sanaa, which forced the internationally recognized government into exile. The conflict in Yemen began escalating significantly following the Saudi-led coalition’s intervention in 2015. Amidst the prolonged civil war, the Houthis have shifted their focus towards maritime attacks in the Red Sea corridor, leveraging the Israel-Gaza conflict as a strategic opportunity to align their military actions with broader regional sentiments against Israel.
The Houthis appear to be solidifying their position in the Middle East by expanding their military operations and targeting Israeli interests, which may enhance their influence both domestically and regionally. Despite the complexities of the Yemeni civil war and limited resources, they could increasingly be seen as a formidable player due to their strategic escalations against Israel and potential alliances with other militias.
Original Source: apnews.com
