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February 12, 2025 – The Iran-backed Houthi movement in Yemen has threatened to resume attacks on Israel if the fragile ceasefire in Gaza collapses.
Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi issued a warning in a televised speech on Tuesday, stating that his forces are prepared to strike should Israel intensify its military operations in Gaza.
The statement, reported by Iranian state media IRNA, underscores the Houthis’ continued alignment with Hamas and Tehran’s wider regional influence network.
While other Iranian proxies, such as Hezbollah, have shown signs of retreating from direct engagement, the Houthis remain undeterred despite repeated Israeli airstrikes.
Houthis Vow Immediate Response
“Our fingers are on the trigger, and we are ready to respond immediately if the Zionist regime intensifies its attacks on Gaza,” al-Houthi declared.
He also warned of “security, military, and economic consequences” in the event of further escalation.
The warning marks the latest in a series of threats from the Houthis, who have periodically launched missiles and drones toward Israel since the October 7 Hamas-led attack.
The group had remained relatively quiet in recent weeks as the ceasefire appeared to hold, but now seeks to reassert itself on the regional stage.
Anti-US and Anti-Saudi Rhetoric Escalates
Al-Houthi’s speech extended beyond Israel, targeting the United States and Saudi Arabia. He accused Washington and its allies of attempting to control Islamic holy sites, claiming that their ambitions extend beyond Al-Aqsa Mosque to Mecca and Medina.
“The Americans will not hesitate to abandon their Arab allies when it suits their interests,” he cautioned, in an apparent warning to Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states cooperating with the US.
This rhetoric suggests the Houthis are positioning themselves as defenders of Islam, a narrative they have used to justify their military actions in the past.
Regional Impact and Future Threats
The renewed Houthi threats could heighten tensions in the Red Sea and broader Middle East.
The group has previously targeted international shipping routes and has been involved in direct clashes with US and allied naval forces. If hostilities escalate, it could further destabilize global trade and security in the region.
Israel has not formally responded to the latest statements, but it has previously conducted airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen. Meanwhile, the United States has ramped up its military presence in the region to counter threats posed by the group.
As the ceasefire in Gaza remains tenuous, the potential for renewed violence involving the Houthis raises concerns about broader regional instability.
Whether the group follows through on its threats will likely depend on the next moves in the Israel-Gaza conflict.