Israeli Newspaper: Houthis Assert Dominance Over the Red Sea and Alter Global Power Dynamics

NYN | Reports and analyses

The Israeli newspaper The Jerusalem Post reported that the Houthis (Sana’a Government Forces) are increasingly asserting control over the Red Sea and its surrounding areas. They are now capable of targeting ships and determining who can approach them, demonstrating their ability to change the longstanding U.S. and British dominance over the waterways that has lasted for centuries.

In an article written by Seth J. Frantzman, the newspaper’s Chief Middle East Correspondent and Analyst, The Jerusalem Post noted, “The Houthis are increasingly acting as if they are in control of the Red Sea.” Frantzman added, “The Houthis have been attacking ships for more than eight months since the start of the U.S.-led ‘Operation Prosperity Guardian,’ and they are now deciding who can and cannot assist distressed ships.”

Frantzman pointed out that the recent attack on the ship Sounion exemplifies the Houthis’ expansion of their attacks, highlighting their efforts to blockade Israel and take control of the Red Sea, a move he described as unprecedented.

He emphasized that “the United States and Western nations have largely been unable to stop the Houthis’ attacks, which occur almost daily. The Red Sea and nearby areas are increasingly under the control of the Houthis, who are determining access to damaged vessels such as the Sounion.”

Frantzman concluded by stating, “Iran and the Houthis have shown their ability to undermine centuries of U.S. and U.K. control over global waterways.”

He argued that “this is part of a broader strategy pursued by Russia and China to destabilize the global order, as they seek a multipolar world through cooperation with Iran and the Houthis to weaken the capabilities of the United States and Western nations,” according to his analysis.