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After a month of silence, the Yemeni group enters the conflict, threatening even the main routes of global trade
After four weeks without direct intervention, the Houthis in Yemen have resumed attacks on Israel, launching rockets and signaling a new phase of escalation in the regional conflict.
The group, which controls the capital Sana'a and large parts of northern Yemen, said it had targeted "sensitive Israeli military targets." The move marks their direct entry into the ongoing conflict between the US, Israel and Iran.
However, the Houthis' direct military influence on Israel is considered more limited compared to Iran's capabilities. Even in the past, following Hamas attacks in October 2023, the Houthis launched several rocket attacks on Israel, but with limited effect on the ground.
The group's greatest threat is its strategic position off the coast of Yemen. In the past, the Houthis have attacked merchant ships in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a key corridor connecting the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean. Any disruption of this passage would have a direct impact on global trade and energy supplies.
Such an escalation, combined with tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has restricted movement, could put two of the world's most important sea lanes at risk.
In addition, the Houthis have the capacity to strike energy and military infrastructure in neighboring Gulf countries, such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, as they have done in the past.
In previous cases, such attacks have drawn strong military responses from the US and Israel, which have struck targets linked to the group's leadership and military capabilities. However, the Houthis have managed to maintain their structure and operational capability.
Another factor is the internal dynamics in Yemen, where the situation had entered a phase of relative stability after years of conflict. A deeper involvement of the Houthis in the regional war could risk a return of internal tensions.
The latest developments raise questions about the extent of Houthis' involvement in the coming days. If the attacks continue and intensify, they are expected to mark a further escalation of the conflict in the Middle East. / Adapted from BBC
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