Department of Research, Studies and International News13-02-2025

The Houthi movement, once perceived as a local insurgent faction engaged in prolonged conflict with the Yemeni government and the Saudi-led coalition, has undergone a profound transformation since the eruption of Israel’s war on Gaza in October 2023. Previously known for their military resilience within Yemen’s northern regions, the Houthis have expanded their reach, drawing increased attention from both regional and global powers. Their emergence as a formidable actor beyond Yemeni borders has not only amplified their influence but also escalated tensions with powerful adversaries, including Israel, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

For years, the Houthis, who align ideologically with Iran, have been embroiled in Yemen’s internal conflict, occasionally launching missile and drone attacks targeting Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. However, their capability to project power across the region remained relatively constrained. Domestically, they faced widespread opposition, particularly from Yemenis who viewed them as an authoritarian force seeking to dismantle the republic in favor of a theocratic regime. While their claim to power was framed as a revolutionary movement representing the will of the Yemeni people, their methods and governance style left them deeply polarizing.

The past sixteen months, however, have altered the trajectory of the Houthi movement. By launching missile and drone strikes deep into Israeli territory and targeting shipping routes in the Red Sea, the Houthis have not only demonstrated their growing military capabilities but have also positioned themselves as a central force challenging Israeli and Western interests. These actions, purportedly carried out in solidarity with the Palestinian cause, have significantly reshaped both regional perceptions of the Houthis and their global standing.

Gaining Support and Legitimacy Amid Conflict

Despite their controversial status within Yemen, the Houthis’ overt military support for Gaza has complicated domestic opposition. Yemen is a country with deeply rooted pro-Palestinian sentiments, making criticism of any group actively confronting Israel politically sensitive. The Houthis have capitalized on this sentiment, garnering increased support and improving their standing both within Yemen and among broader regional audiences.

“The Houthi leadership has demonstrated defiance in the face of Western military power,” remarked Abdullah Yahia, a resident of Sanaa. “Their actions have shown that they are not afraid of the United States or its allies. For many Yemenis, supporting Gaza is a moral obligation, and the Houthis’ commitment to that cause has changed perceptions about them.”

This shift in perception is not limited to Yemen. Political analysts argue that the Houthis have succeeded in rebranding themselves from a localized insurgency to a key player in the broader resistance against Western influence in the Middle East. According to Adel Dashela, a postdoctoral fellow at Columbia Global Centers in Amman, “Many people worldwide view the situation in Gaza as an injustice, and by actively confronting Israel, the Houthis have positioned themselves as defenders of Palestinian rights. This has significantly bolstered their image.”

Impact on Global Trade and Western Military Responses

While the Houthis’ attacks on Israel have caused limited direct damage, their impact on the global shipping industry has been far more pronounced. Red Sea shipping lanes, which serve as vital arteries for international commerce, have seen a dramatic decline in traffic due to Houthi-led assaults. The United States and its allies have attempted retaliatory strikes, but these efforts have so far failed to fully deter the Houthis, whose attacks have driven up shipping costs and forced many companies to reroute their vessels away from the region.

Data compiled by the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data (ACLED) project indicates that since the start of the Gaza war, the Houthis have carried out over 200 attacks on shipping vessels, many of which have been linked to Israeli interests. This escalation has led to a steep drop in traffic through the Suez Canal, disrupting global trade and compounding economic uncertainties.

The Houthis’ growing boldness has not gone unnoticed by the West and its allies. In January 2024, the United States and the United Kingdom launched airstrikes targeting Houthi positions in Yemen, marking a significant escalation in hostilities. Israel has also initiated its own military actions against the group, with Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz vowing to “hunt down” Houthi leaders.

“The reclassification of the Houthis as a terrorist organization is a key component of the West’s broader approach to weakening Iran’s influence in the region,” stated Abdusalam Mohammed, director of Yemen’s Abaad Studies and Research Center. “This could be the prelude to a larger Western military operation aimed at neutralizing the Houthis’ capabilities.”

The Houthis, in response, have condemned the designation, claiming that it is an effort by the U.S. to intensify economic and military pressure on Yemen. Their political office in Sanaa has issued statements calling on “free nations” to reject the American decision, warning that the group remains on high alert and prepared for further escalation.

The Challenges of Defeating the Houthis

Despite sustained military pressure, analysts caution that the Houthis have proven to be an exceptionally resilient force. Their ability to withstand years of Saudi-led coalition bombardment, coupled with their tight control over territories in northern Yemen, has made them one of the most durable armed groups in the region.

Mohammed al-Samaei, a journalist and researcher based in Taiz, asserts that the Houthis’ strengths lie not only in their military stockpiles and strategic positioning but also in the weaknesses of their Yemeni adversaries. “Even if a Western-backed offensive were launched against them, their rapid defeat is not guaranteed,” he explained.

The coming months will likely see increased efforts to weaken the Houthis, particularly as Western and regional powers look to exploit what they perceive as vulnerabilities within Iran’s broader alliance network. However, given the group’s history of endurance and adaptability, any assumption that the Houthis can be easily dismantled may prove to be premature.