Ari Heistein
A key advantage of the proactive “Axis of Resistance” over the reactive Western powers has been their ability to take the initiative and maintain the element of surprise. Still, the U.S. campaign in Yemen has now reversed that dynamic.
The Houthis are likely in a state of deep strategic confusion. Although the group is committed to supporting Hamas, they cannot predict how long this will keep them in conflict with the United States. Meanwhile, they face mounting domestic crises, including economic collapse and emboldened enemies.
With each passing day, they increasingly resemble their Lebanese Hezbollah mentors, risking their long-term project to avoid the ideological and reputational damage of breaking their pledge to fight alongside Hamas.
The Houthis did pause their attacks on Red Sea shipping and Israel after the Israel-Hamas ceasefire took effect. Still, their leader, Abdelmalek, declared in a televised address that the group was keeping its “finger on the trigger.”
The Houthis’ Crumbling Popularity at Home
When the ceasefire collapsed, after the parties disagreed on how to implement Phase Two or extend Phase One, Israel‘s government announced it would no longer allow aid into Gaza until Hamas released the remaining hostages.
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