Houthis Re-enter Israel War as Yemenis Divided Over New Escalation
Yemen’s Houthis have announced a renewed military campaign against Israel, saying they fired missiles and imposed a ban on Israeli maritime navigation in the Red Sea. The group declared it is re-entering the regional conflict in support of what it calls the “Axis of Resistance,” pledging continued operations until Israeli attacks on Palestine, Lebanon, and Iran stop.
The escalation follows remarks by Iran’s IRGC Quds Force chief Esmail Qaani, who described a growing “security belt” of allied groups stretching across key waterways from the Strait of Hormuz to the Red Sea. He said resistance factions would respond collectively to Israeli and US actions, with the possibility of further regional escalation.
Iran has also warned that continued conflict could lead to steps affecting the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a vital global shipping route near Yemen. The Houthis, who have previously targeted vessels linked to Israel, the US, and the UK, are seen as capable of enforcing disruption in the area.
Inside Yemen, reactions are sharply divided. Some residents view the Houthis’ actions as a moral duty in solidarity with Palestinians and other regional allies. Others, however, fear renewed involvement in a wider war, pointing to years of devastating internal conflict, mass displacement, and economic collapse.
Supporters argue Yemen is taking a “honourable stance” against Israel, while critics say the escalation risks dragging the country deeper into a conflict it cannot afford and reflects alignment with Iranian regional strategy rather than national interests.
Despite claims of coordination pauses in the wider regional conflict, reports indicate continued missile activity from Yemen and interceptions by Israeli forces, underscoring the instability across multiple fronts.
