Israeli Channel: Houthis Teach “Israel” a Lesson in Asymmetric Warfare, Reshaping the Geopolitical Conflict

NYN | Reports and analyses

Israel’s Channel 12 reported that forces of Yemen’s Sana’a government have successfully established control over the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait, imposing targeted sanctions on ships connected to “Israel” and effectively promoting their narrative of supporting Gaza. Meanwhile, “Israel” and the United States have failed to garner the necessary support to counter these actions.

In a report titled “The Houthi Problem and the Lesson to Learn from Saudi Arabia’s Failure,” the channel’s official website discussed the strategic shifts occurring in geopolitical conflicts. The report highlighted that Houthi attacks in the Red Sea since last November have reshaped our understanding of geopolitical struggles, particularly in the geo-economic sphere.

The report emphasized that the Houthis, who have been engaged in asymmetric warfare from the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea in the north and the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea in the south, have significantly benefited from the control they have maintained since late 2014 and early 2015.

The report noted that the campaign against the Houthis was, from the start, a war of narratives. “Israel” attempted to frame the security threats in the Red Sea as an international issue with significant economic implications, but faced challenges in rallying international support, even with backing from the United States and European countries.

Conversely, the report explained that the Houthis framed their participation in the war between “Israel” and Gaza as a willingness to exert any necessary pressure on “Israel,” whether directly or indirectly, to halt its operations in Gaza. They gradually expanded their targeting scope to include ships loosely associated with “Israel” or seeking to dock at Israeli ports, as well as coalition naval forces operating against them.

The report highlighted that the Houthis’ framing of their operations has significantly bolstered their anti-American and anti-Israeli image, increasing support for the Palestinian cause and the axis of resistance. This has garnered them sympathy in Yemen, the Arab world, and the broader Islamic community.

Additionally, the report stated that the Houthis have capitalized on their focus on a specific context in their attacks. Moreover, their ability to impose selective sanctions in the maritime passage has worked to their advantage.

The report also pointed out that the Houthis have strengthened asymmetric warfare tactics and guerrilla strategies, utilizing relatively inexpensive technological weapons to destroy or even sink ships in some cases.

The report added, “The Houthis have effectively taken control of a crucial international maritime artery by imposing precise economic sanctions on specific ships based on their perceived connections to Israel. Despite the selective nature of these measures, they have had significant and far-reaching impacts.”

The report mentioned that forming a unified and broad international front against the Houthis has become increasingly difficult. The framework presented by the Houthis has not been wholly rejected by the international community, and there are parties that remain outside the scope of current maritime sanctions.

Regarding the targeting of the port of Hodeidah, the report observed that “attacks on this vital lifeline for Yemen inflict severe damage on the Yemeni people. The previous experience of the Saudi-led coalition against the Houthis since 2015, in cooperation with the United States and international organizations, revealed that military attacks on the port, coupled with intermittent naval and air blockades, sanctions, and threats against the entry of goods, and even the UN inspection mechanism supervised by Saudi Arabia, have all contributed to one of the worst humanitarian catastrophes in recent years, increasing the likelihood of its exacerbation or re-ignition. Hence, these measures have been temporary and have not effectively altered the balance of power.”

The report concluded by stating that “given the growing international criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza, it would be wise for Israel to reconsider the effectiveness of direct attacks on Yemen, particularly in Hodeidah, while taking into account the potential consequences and interpretations by the international community.”