Yemen's Former FM Calls for Israeli Role in Regional Coalition Against Houthis

Former Yemeni Foreign Minister Khaled al-Yamani has proposed that Israel join a new regional coalition to combat the Houthi movement in Yemen, criticizing Saudi Arabia's strategy as a failure that has inadvertently strengthened the Iran-backed group. Al-Yamani stated in an interview with Kan Reshet Bet that the current approach to Yemen is insufficient and that a broad coalition of U.S. allies, including Israel, should confront the Houthis.

He suggested basing this coalition on the model of the Abraham Accords, emphasizing shared responsibility among American partners in the Middle East. Al-Yamani highlighted the strategic importance of this for Israel, as the Houthis have evolved from a local force into a threat to Red Sea shipping and a potential pressure point on Israel from the south. He argued that the fight against the Houthis can no longer be solely Yemen's internal affair or Saudi Arabia's responsibility, as the current situation endangers international maritime routes and regional security.

Al-Yamani's proposal is notable given his past engagement with Israeli leadership. In 2019, while serving as foreign minister for Yemen's internationally recognized government, he met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Warsaw Conference to discuss a regional front against Iran, an encounter that drew criticism in the Arab world. Currently, al-Yamani advises the head of the Southern Transitional Council (STC), a group opposing the Houthis and supported by the UAE.

The former minister sharply criticized Saudi Arabia, accusing it of undermining Yemeni forces with actual combat experience against the Houthis. He claimed that Saudi airstrikes in December targeted STC forces attempting to disrupt Houthi supply lines and alleged ties to Al-Qaeda and Al-Shabab, effectively undoing progress and aiding the Houthis' advance. Al-Yamani also accused Saudi Arabia of transferring hundreds of millions of dollars to the Houthis this year, potentially for weapons, and of releasing Houthi prisoners involved in arms smuggling. These claims, however, come from a representative of a group in conflict with Saudi Arabia over the future of southern Yemen, and the article notes a lack of independent confirmation for the financial details.

Al-Yamani is essentially advocating for a shift in international and regional partnerships within Yemen, urging support for the STC over Saudi Arabia. He stated that the STC has warned Western nations about Houthi advances along the Red Sea without adequate response. While the STC seeks greater autonomy for southern Yemen and is prepared to defend it from the Houthis, al-Yamani indicated they are unwilling to fight for the north without addressing the south's future.