However, the Houthis have found themselves underestimated before – if anything, it is their ability to survive in the face of seemingly much stronger enemies that has contributed to their belief in a divine ability to overcome opponents.
But the group would also likely welcome regional de-escalation, and an opportunity to declare victory over Israel.
Ayed al-Manna, a Kuwaiti academic and political researcher, said: 1. “The cessation of the Gaza war would be a lifeline for the Houthis,” 2. “The group would de-escalate its operations, as it would have no justification for continuing such attacks on shipping lanes.”
If the Gaza conflict intensifies again, and the Houthis resume attacks on Israel and shipping in the Red Sea, then the Yemeni group may find themselves under heavier attack than before.
Some have suggested that this could lead to the Houthis, 1. facing a similar fate to another Iranian ally, Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad, who was overthrown in December, 2. or that the Yemeni group’s leadership could be assassinated, as much of the leadership of the Lebanese group Hezbollah has been.
