Israel Battles Houthis While Trump Admin. Sidelines Conflict

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) recently struck Houthi assets in the Hudaydah Port in Yemen as a response to ongoing daily Houthi attacks on Israel’s citizenry. 

According to IDF reports, the Hudaya port was targeted because it “is used to transfer weapons and to exploit civilian infrastructure to advance terrorist activities.” 

Civilians allegedly received warnings before the attacks to minimize non-Houthi casualties.

“The IDF is committed to continue operating against those who pose a threat to Israelis,” reads an IDF statement. 

While the Houthis, an Iran-backed Yemeni terror group, have been targeting US, Israeli, and allies’ ships since Hamas’ October 7th, 2023 attacks, their attacks have recently increased in frequency and intensity.  ‘

Houthi forces previously orchestrated drone and missile attacks against US military and commercial ships but ceased doing so after President Donald Trump brokered a ceasefire agreement with them. 

However, while the Houthis have since honored their agreement with the US, they have continued to attack Israel. 

Despite their continued attacks against Israel, the US has refrained from targeting Houthi forces since the ceasefire deal was signed, frustrating some who believe the US should actively defend its closest Middle East ally.  

Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), for example, urged President Trump to hold the Houthis “accountable” for attacking Israel. 

“I appreciate President Trump trying to pursue peace on multiple fronts, however we must hold bad actors accountable when they defy these efforts,” said Graham. 

However, the Trump administration seems in no mood to revive conflict with the Houthis. 

Indeed, almost simultaneously, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth boasted of the cessation of hostilities between the US and the Houthis, demonstrating an aversion to militarily supporting Israel’s anti-Houthi efforts. 

Secretary Hegseth reported US vessels sailing uninterrupted through the Red Sea, a voyage formerly featuring Houthi attacks. 

“Under President Trump's leadership, U.S. naval vessels have exercised freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and Bab al Mandeb multiple times in recent days,” said Hegseth. 

Hegseth added that the US Navy’s peaceful Red Sea navigation demonstrates “the success of both Operation ROUGH RIDER and the President's Peace Through Strength agenda.”