Houthi rebels assert influence amid Middle East conflicts
- Yemen's Houthi rebels have launched a ballistic missile at Israel's main airport and targeted commercial shipping in the Red Sea.
- These actions are a response to Israel's intensified military campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon and aim to exploit the Israel-Hamas conflict.
- The Houthis seek to enhance their regional influence and negotiating power while maintaining popular support in northern Yemen.
In recent days, Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels have escalated their military actions in response to Israel's intensified campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Following a significant strike that killed Hezbollah's leader, the Houthis launched a ballistic missile at Israel's main airport and targeted commercial shipping in the Red Sea. This marks a shift in their strategy, as they aim to leverage the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict to bolster their military position and gain regional prominence. Analysts suggest that the Houthis are capitalizing on the prevailing solidarity among Yemenis with the Palestinians to recruit fighters and strengthen their ranks. Despite facing a dire economic situation and a crackdown on dissent, the Houthis maintain control over northern Yemen and enjoy popular support. Their actions against Israel may enhance their negotiating power in potential discussions with Saudi Arabia regarding Yemen's civil war, raising their stakes in any future peace talks.