Houthis: Why Do They Stand At the Escalation of the Mideast Conflict?
- Elon Gilad
- 7 hours ago
- 2 min read
The Houthis stand at the center of a dangerous escalation in the Middle East conflict. In March 2025, US President Donald Trump ordered "decisive" military strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen, describing it as an "overwhelming response" to their attacks on shipping. According to reports, these strikes killed dozens, including civilians, and targeted power stations and military installations across multiple Yemeni cities.
The Houthis responded by claiming to have launched 18 missiles and drones at the USS Harry Truman aircraft carrier, with their leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi warning: "If they continue their aggression, we will continue the escalation." While US officials reported no damage to the carrier, this exchange highlights the conflict's potential for significant expansion.
The Houthis have also directly targeted Israel. In recent days, they've launched multiple ballistic missiles toward Israeli territory, forcing millions of Israelis into shelters as warning sirens sounded across central Israel, including Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. The Israeli Air Force has intercepted these missiles before they reached Israeli territory, but the psychological impact and disruption to daily life remain significant.
The Trump administration's designation of the Houthis as a "foreign terrorist organization" and warning that "hell will rain down upon you" signals a major shift from previous US approaches. Trump also directly warned Iran to "immediately" end support for the group, further internationalizing the conflict.
As the Houthis maintain their missile capabilities despite years of retaliatory airstrikes, continue attacking international shipping, and now directly target Israel with increasing frequency, they have cemented their role as a critical player in the Middle East's complex power dynamics.
What began two decades ago as a localized religious movement has transformed into a formidable military force capable of triggering international crises and potentially igniting a wider regional war.
Elon Gilad is an Israeli author, journalist, and linguist. His work focuses on uncovering the historical roots of contemporary issues, particularly in current affairs, Jewish history, and the Hebrew language. Gilad is the author of "The Secret History of Judaism." His analytical pieces draw on his diverse background to provide unique insights into today's complex issues, explaining current situations through the lens of historical development.