Cliff Notes – Where does Trump’s Houthi announcement leave Israel
- The US has launched over 800 airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen since the start of the year, averaging 50 strikes per week, marking a significant military engagement for President Trump.
- The Houthis have retaliated by targeting shipping and Israel, leading to increased US military presence in the region, including two aircraft carrier strike groups.
- Trump’s announcement of a potential end to US bombing of Houthis represents a foreign policy success, but raises concerns for Israel regarding its security and US support amid ongoing tensions.
Where does Trump’s Houthi announcement leave Israel?
The announcement prompts questions about Israel’s security strategy, as it has relied on US actions against the Houthis. Continued aggression from the Houthis may compel Israel to seek further US military backing.
The US bombing campaign on Yemen has been by far and away Donald Trump’s most active military engagement since he took office just over four months ago.
And it’s an extraordinarily underreported one, given the president has a reputation for being averse to military action.
The US military has carried out more than 800 strikes against Houthi targets since Trump returned to the White House at the beginning of the year. That’s an average of 50 a week.
Two aircraft carrier strike groups have been positioned in the region to assist this – a significant deployment that also serves the double purpose as a warning to Iran.
The Houthis have launched missiles and drones against two targets in support of Palestinians in Gaza: Red Sea shipping and Israel.
Sources
U.S. to end bombings of Houthi militants in Yemen, Trump says – The Washington Post
Israel blindsided by Trump’s Houthi announcement, sources tell ‘Post’ – The Jerusalem Post
