US think tank: Israel’s Yemen strategy backfired.
Among the many uncertainties that have arisen since the implementation of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, supported by the United States and Arab countries, in Gaza, an important question arises: “Will the Houthis also stop their attacks on the occupied territories in support of Palestinians and other targets?”
The report states: The firing of four drones by the Houthis towards the port of Eilat on the second anniversary of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel once again showed how ineffective Israel’s strategy against this Yemeni group has been. The Houthis began attacks on Israel and commercial ships in the Red Sea in November 2023. Israel was not prepared for these attacks at the beginning and did not have sufficient information about the group. Israeli leaders believed that by launching military strikes on Houthi positions, they could create a form of deterrence. But contrary to popular belief, the Houthis lack a focal point or “center of gravity” that can be effectively targeted.
The report continues: Israel launched a series of attacks on Houthi infrastructure starting on July 20, 2024, focusing on the port of Hodeidah, power plants, and Sanaa airport. Despite the economic damage to the Houthis and the Yemeni people, the costs seemed to be bearable for them. In fact, the Houthis gained more domestic popularity and regional and international standing as a result of the battle, and they appear to be in an even better position to become the front line against Israel.
The Stimson Center report states: Even if the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas holds, Israel’s problem with the Houthis will not end. There is no going back to the way things were before, as the Houthis now see themselves as defenders of the entire axis of resistance. Therefore, they may fire missiles and drones at Israel in protest of Israeli attacks on other members of the Resistance Axis, just as they have in the past claimed responsibility for attacks on Israel in response to Israeli attacks on Tehran and Beirut and the entry of Jews into Al-Aqsa Mosque. The Houthis’ latest statement regarding Israeli attacks on Lebanon is an indication of their future intentions and their understanding of their role as defenders of the Resistance Axis.