The Houthis started attacking Israel-linked ships in the Red Sea in response to Israel’s war in Gaza. In mid-October, before targeting merchant shipping, the Houthis on several occasions launched drones and missiles at Eilat on Israel’s Red Sea coast. Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea could also undermine efforts to bring Yemen’s wars to an end. The Saudi-led coalition that attacked the Houthis in Yemen in 2015 did not weaken the group but instead made them stronger. The Houthis’ current military attacks are likely to push many Yemenis to support them out of sympathy for the Palestinian cause, even if they otherwise oppose the group.

Source: The North Africa Journal January 13, 2024 00:44 UTC