Ansar Allah, a Yemen-based militant group, has vowed to resume attacks on ships linked to Israel in response to the blockade of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. The threat comes amid heightened tensions between Israel and Hamas, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announcing last week that assistance would be withheld from Gaza.
According to an Ansar Allah source, the group will pursue a policy of “a siege for a siege” until the blockade is lifted and Israel returns to its previous agreement with Hamas. The source warned that Israel’s record of targeting enemy leaders would not deter Ansar Allah, despite prioritizing Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi’s security.
Ansar Allah has established a reputation as one of the most formidable factions of the Iran-aligned “Axis of Resistance” coalition. The group began firing missiles and drones against Israel in 2023, leading to severe disruptions in global trade and soaring international shipping costs.
President Donald Trump’s administration has also set its sights on increasing pressure on Ansar Allah, restoring the group’s place on the list of U.S.-designated foreign terrorist organizations. Netanyahu’s government has previously threatened Ansar Allah leadership, warning that those who defy the group will suffer the same fate as slain Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah.
The situation in Yemen remains volatile, with a ceasefire brokered by the United Nations in April 2022 leaving the country effectively divided. Ansar Allah controls around 80% of Yemen’s population and territory, including the capital Sanaa.
Iran has denied providing arms to Ansar Allah, despite intelligence claims from the U.S., Israel, and Saudi Arabia. The threat of renewed attacks on Israeli ships could lead to added woes not just for Israel but also for Trump, who is already facing economic challenges due to his tariff wars.
Source: https://www.newsweek.com/houthis-take-extreme-steps-protect-leader-resuming-israel-attacks-2043817