Over a distance of more than 1,800 kilometers, the city of Eilat sits at Israel’s southern edge as the country’s only port on the Red Sea. Sanaa, the capital of Yemen, has been under Houthi control since September 2014 when the group entered with little resistance. An analysis from that period by the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs quoted Jacques Neriah, a former Israeli Army colonel, calling it a turning point that hinted at a new influence in the region. The Houthis soon demonstrated ambition beyond Yemen, coordinating with allies and expanding their reach along the western half of the Yemeni territory, which is the most populous and economically important region. They aligned with Iran’s Ayatollah regime and began building a broader network of support, while Moscow signaled its own strategic interests in facing Western influence in the region.
origins
The Houthi movement began in Yemen during the 1990s under a religious and political leadership. The founder later lent his name to the group. Its aim was to promote a form of Shiite Islam known as Zaydism, a tradition followed by a substantial portion of the population. The movement drew inspiration from themes associated with the late Iranian leader who spent part of his life in Iran. After returning to Yemen between 1993 and 1997, the figure served in a parliamentary role within a party favoring monarchy. The group evolved into a political religious movement that operated quietly for a time, but over the years Yemeni authorities perceived it as a security threat. The Houthis modeled themselves after Lebanese Shiite militias and grew increasingly critical of the Yemeni government for its closeness to the United States. A 2004 security operation in Saada province, the northern base of the movement, resulted in the death of its founder in battle. Some followers still maintain that he remains alive.
Ideology and religion
Zaydism binds a large share of Yemen’s population into a tradition that traces its roots to Zayd ibn Ali, a figure from early Islamic history. The Hejaz region near the western coast of the Arabian Peninsula hosts many holy sites central to Islam. Historically, Zaydism is seen as the closest Shiite branch to Sunni Islam, sharing common ground with Sunni thought while maintaining its own unique voice. In Yemen, the Houthis drew upon this religious heritage while adopting a broader political stance. Their public rhetoric echoes slogans common in Shiite-majority arenas, including direct critiques of Western policymakers and a strong anti-American sentiment. The movement merged religious identity with political grievance, shaping its messaging and actions in ways that resonated with parts of the population who felt left out by the central government.
Zaydis ruled Yemen for centuries until mid-twentieth century changes, with latest generations observing how religious identity intersected with power. The Houthis absorbed techniques from other regional actors and adopted a style of political mobilization that emphasized popular appeal, anti‑imperialist rhetoric, and opposition to perceived Western influence. This combination gave the group a distinct voice in Yemeni politics and helped position it as a disruptive force within the broader regional order.
The movement’s public messaging contains strong anti‑American and anti‑Israeli themes, framed within a broader regional resistance narrative. The group has forged ties with Lebanon’s Shiite milieu and with Iran, reflecting a broader pattern of alliance among nonstate actors who share ideological outlooks and security concerns about external powers. The rhetoric is a mix of religious symbolism and political grievance, creating a cohesive yet contentious identity that has shaped Yemeni affairs for years.
A ten-year war, albeit in limbo
The Houthis expanded from their northern base into large portions of Yemen, challenging a coalition led by Saudi Arabia that included several Gulf states. The coalition’s goal was to counter Tehran’s influence and the Houthi expansion, with the conflict evolving into a broader proxy struggle. A separatist movement in the south, backed by the United Arab Emirates, pushed for the division of Yemen into North and South, echoing historical divisions in the country. The port city of Aden emerged as a focal point in this struggle, second only to the capital in terms of population and strategic importance. Airstrikes and ground fighting caused widespread casualties and drew widespread international condemnation. In recent times a two‑month ceasefire was agreed upon, with parties maintaining the truce while humanitarian conditions remain precarious. Predictions about the long-term outlook vary, but the human cost has been severe, with tens of thousands killed and many more displaced. Food insecurity and neglect of essential services have intensified amid the conflict, underscoring a persistent humanitarian crisis.
international alliances
What began as a local insurgency evolved into a capable armed force. Analysts note the Houthis received support from external actors, including weapons and training that enhanced their operational capabilities. Media operations trace connections to regional networks that broadcast content from southern Beirut, with assistance from allied outlets. The relationship with Iran is often described as a pragmatic partnership, offering the Houthis a degree of autonomy in exchange for military and logistical support. This alignment has allowed the Houthis to navigate shifting regional dynamics and sustain momentum despite external pressures.
Alongside these connections, the broader geopolitical landscape features a web of alliances that intersect with Russia’s diplomacy in the region. The Houthis’ stance sits at the intersection of regional power struggles and broader global tensions, complicating efforts to chart a path toward stability. Some scholars emphasize that Moscow’s engagement with Middle Eastern actors reflects broader attempts to redefine influence after major shifts in Western policy. In this context, the Houthi movement seeks to balance its alliances with Iran and other regional partners while engaging with parts of the international community through discreet diplomatic channels. The overarching narrative frames the conflict as part of a larger contest over influence in the Middle East, where nonstate actors increasingly play pivotal roles in strategic calculations. A more stable future will likely require a combination of diplomatic engagement, regional compromises, and sustained humanitarian relief efforts.
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