Yemen's Houthi Rebels Pose Growing Threat to Israel, Experts Warn

Recent Houthi advances in Yemen are part of a broader regional strategy orchestrated by Iran, aiming to exert pressure on the United States and Europe, according to analysts. The Houthi movement, which has been engaged in Yemen's civil war, is now strategically seizing control of key maritime routes like the Bab el-Mandeb strait, a move experts say is driven by Iran and its "axis of resistance" allies, including Hezbollah.

Ali al-Bukhaiti, a former Houthi spokesperson, stated that the control of Bab el-Mandeb is not a local Yemeni objective but a strategic goal for Iran, marking the first time a campaign in Yemen is being directed by this wider axis. He believes Iran has significantly contributed to the planning and execution of these operations, providing advanced technological assistance to the Houthis, though not participating directly in combat.

While the Houthis are making gains on land and at sea, the situation remains complex, with Yemeni forces backed by Saudi Arabia also achieving successes in certain areas. Experts like Inbal Nissim Lubaton from Tel Aviv University's Dayan Center note that the Houthis are increasingly acting on their own agenda, beyond being a mere proxy for Iran, aiming to connect various regional fronts.

Looking ahead, al-Bukhaiti warns that the Houthis are developing more advanced and accurate long-range weaponry specifically targeting Israel. He describes the Houthis as a "crazy factor" in the region, less cautious than Iran about potential repercussions and more willing to take risks. They may seek to build a chemical or biological weapons arsenal for deterrence against Israel and could potentially impose tolls on ships, using the revenue to fund further weapons acquisition and domestic production.

The ongoing conflict in Yemen continues to exact a heavy toll on the civilian population, leading to displacement, hunger, and shortages of essential medicines, even as the Houthis focus on strategic objectives and potential future confrontations.