Yemeni Politician Proposes Regional Coalition Against Houthis, Invites Israel

Former Yemeni Foreign Minister Khaled al-Yamani has proposed the formation of a new regional coalition to counter the Houthi movement in Yemen, suggesting Israel could play a significant role. In an interview with Kan Reshet Bet radio, al-Yamani also criticized Saudi Arabia, accusing Riyadh of failing in its previous strategy and inadvertently strengthening the Iran-backed Houthis.

Al-Yamani envisions a broad coalition of U.S. allies, modeled on the Abraham Accords, with shared responsibility among Middle Eastern partners. He believes Israel has a direct strategic interest in confronting the Houthis, who have evolved from a local force into a threat to Red Sea shipping and a potential pressure point on Israel from the south.

Al-Yamani, who previously led the foreign ministry for Yemen's internationally recognized government and met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in 2019, currently advises the head of the Southern Transitional Council (STC). The STC opposes the Houthis and is supported by the United Arab Emirates.

His remarks were particularly critical of Saudi Arabia, which he accused of undermining anti-Houthi forces. Al-Yamani claimed that Saudi airstrikes targeted STC forces in December as they attempted to disrupt Houthi supply lines. He also alleged that Saudi Arabia has transferred hundreds of millions of dollars to the Houthis this year, some of which funded weapons purchases, and facilitated the release of individuals involved in smuggling Iranian military equipment.

These accusations come from a political faction in conflict with Riyadh over the future of southern Yemen and lack independent verification. The STC, according to al-Yamani, is willing to defend southern territories but will not fight for the north without securing southern autonomy.