Israel Houthi Movement Syria Yemen Israeli Settlement

Israel and Houthi Movement: Complex Tensions in the Middle East

A Closer Look at the Israeli-Houthi Dynamics

The Israeli-Houthi relationship is a complex and evolving one, marked by both cooperation and conflict. The Houthis, a Zaidi Shia militant group, have been fighting a civil war against the internationally recognized government of Yemen since 2014. Israel has been accused of providing military support to the Houthis, which Israel denies.

Israeli Interests in Yemen

Israel's interests in Yemen are primarily security-related. Israel is concerned about the presence of Iranian-backed forces in Yemen, which it sees as a threat to its security. Israel is also concerned about the Houthi's control of the Bab el-Mandeb, a strategic waterway that connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.

Houthi Interests in Israel

The Houthis' interests in Israel are less clear. Some analysts believe that the Houthis see Israel as a common enemy of Saudi Arabia, which is the Houthis' main adversary in the Yemen civil war. Others believe that the Houthis are simply using Israel as a way to gain international attention and support.

Cooperation between Israel and the Houthis

There have been reports of cooperation between Israel and the Houthis in recent years. In 2019, it was reported that Israel had provided the Houthis with weapons and training. Israel has also been accused of carrying out airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen.

Conflict between Israel and the Houthis

Despite the reports of cooperation, there have also been instances of conflict between Israel and the Houthis. In 2018, the Houthis fired a missile at Israel, which was intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defense system. Israel responded by carrying out airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen.

Implications of the Israeli-Houthi Relationship

The Israeli-Houthi relationship has implications for the wider Middle East region. The cooperation between Israel and the Houthis could potentially destabilize the region and lead to a wider conflict. The conflict between Israel and the Houthis could also make it more difficult to resolve the Yemen civil war.

Conclusion

The Israeli-Houthi relationship is a complex and evolving one. The two sides have both cooperated and conflicted in recent years. The implications of this relationship for the wider Middle East region are significant.