With the ultimatum given to Israel to reopen Gaza’s border crossings having now expired, the Houthis have declared their intention to resume attacks on Israeli ships in the Red Sea. They have even warned that if Israel resumes its military campaign in Gaza, they will once again attack Israel directly. Their actions suggest that, despite efforts by Israel and the international coalition, the Yemeni organization remains far from being neutralized. This time, a different strategy is needed in dealing with this threat.
The Houthis only ceased their attacks on Israel and Israeli-linked ships in the Red Sea after the ceasefire in Gaza took effect. In other words, actions by Israel and the international coalition over the past year have failed to establish a deterrence balance that would have forced the group to halt its offensive operations in the Bab al-Mandab Strait and against Israel—while also severing its deep-rooted ties to the conflict in Gaza.
Rather than being deterred, the Houthis are feeling emboldened following their recent confrontations with the United States and Israel. They now see themselves as the “leaders of the resistance axis,” committed to assisting Hamas in Gaza and, potentially, other groups within the so-called resistance axis that find themselves in direct conflict with Israel.
This reality requires Israel and the United States to reassess their strategy against the Houthis. In recent weeks, the Trump administration has taken several important economic measures against the Houthis, including relisting them as a terrorist organization. However, as recent events have shown, there is serious doubt as to whether these significant measures will have any tangible effect.
A shift in strategy must also include sustained offensive operations against the organization, rather than sporadic strikes on infrastructure. The focus should be on targeting the leadership and missile-launching capabilities, while planning a long-term campaign aimed at ultimately toppling the regime. Additionally, Washington must exert significant pressure on Saudi Arabia to align with the international coalition and support it—at least behind the scenes.
With the ultimatum given to Israel to reopen Gaza’s border crossings having now expired, the Houthis have declared their intention to resume attacks on Israeli ships in the Red Sea. They have even warned that if Israel resumes its military campaign in Gaza, they will once again attack Israel directly. Their actions suggest that, despite efforts by Israel and the international coalition, the Yemeni organization remains far from being neutralized. This time, a different strategy is needed in dealing with this threat.
The Houthis only ceased their attacks on Israel and Israeli-linked ships in the Red Sea after the ceasefire in Gaza took effect. In other words, actions by Israel and the international coalition over the past year have failed to establish a deterrence balance that would have forced the group to halt its offensive operations in the Bab al-Mandab Strait and against Israel—while also severing its deep-rooted ties to the conflict in Gaza.
Rather than being deterred, the Houthis are feeling emboldened following their recent confrontations with the United States and Israel. They now see themselves as the “leaders of the resistance axis,” committed to assisting Hamas in Gaza and, potentially, other groups within the so-called resistance axis that find themselves in direct conflict with Israel.
This reality requires Israel and the United States to reassess their strategy against the Houthis. In recent weeks, the Trump administration has taken several important economic measures against the Houthis, including relisting them as a terrorist organization. However, as recent events have shown, there is serious doubt as to whether these significant measures will have any tangible effect.
A shift in strategy must also include sustained offensive operations against the organization, rather than sporadic strikes on infrastructure. The focus should be on targeting the leadership and missile-launching capabilities, while planning a long-term campaign aimed at ultimately toppling the regime. Additionally, Washington must exert significant pressure on Saudi Arabia to align with the international coalition and support it—at least behind the scenes.