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The Solution to the Houthi Problem

(Institute for National Security Studies-Tel Aviv University) Maj. (res.) Danny Citrinowicz - The Houthis have adopted a strategy aimed at exhausting the Israeli population, thereby increasing pressure on the Israeli government to halt its military campaign in Gaza. The Israeli Air Force has conducted four strikes over the past year against infrastructure sites in Yemen, but the Houthis have continued their attacks and have effectively rendered the Eilat port completely inoperative. Targeting Iran is unlikely to influence the Houthis' calculations regarding their ongoing campaign against Israel. Although the Houthis rely on Iranian support to build their military capabilities, they maintain independence in decision-making and do not necessarily prioritize Iranian interests. The Houthis view their actions against Israel as a means of "joining the big league" and being recognized as a force to be reckoned with. Their continued attacks on Israel and the U.S enhance their standing among the local population. The ability to stop or significantly reduce Houthi activity against Israel will require a shift in approach. Efforts against the Yemeni terrorist organization must be sustained and continuous. Coalition activities should be more intensive and target a wide range of Houthi assets. The group should always feel under threat and on the defensive. Looking ahead, even if the Houthis temporarily halt their attacks, the Houthi regime in Yemen must ultimately be overthrown. Yemen has forces - primarily in the southern part of the country, supported by Saudi Arabia and the UAE - that could take control, should the Houthi regime collapse. The writer, a retired Israeli intelligence officer, is a research fellow at INSS.
2025-01-05 00:00:00
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