The Houthis: Iran’s Proxy War on Israel and Global Trade – with Jonathan Conricus
Dec 19, 2024
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Join Jonathan Conricus, a former IDF spokesperson and Middle East expert, as he delves into the rising threat of the Houthis, Iran's proxy in Yemen. He explains how this rebel group, despite Yemen's poverty, has developed advanced military capabilities, launching attacks on Israel and disrupting global trade. Conricus also unpacks the origins and ideological roots of the Houthis and examines regional security implications of their aggression. His insights highlight why the world remains hesitant to confront this growing menace.
The Houthis, backed by Iran, have demonstrated advanced military capabilities that threaten both regional stability and Israeli security.
Their attacks on vital Red Sea shipping routes are disrupting global trade, highlighting the need for coordinated international responses to this proxy threat.
Deep dives
Recent Houthi Attacks and Israeli Response
A recent ballistic missile attack by the Houthis on Israel created alarming chaos, forcing millions of Israelis into shelters and resulting in the collapse of an elementary school in central Israel. Israel's Air Force retaliated with strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, targeting infrastructure critical to the military activities of the Houthis, which are supported by Iran. Despite these strikes, the Houthis demonstrated their resilience, launching further attacks shortly after Israel's counterstrike, indicating that the Israeli response may not have delivered a decisive blow. The ongoing conflict highlights the complexity of addressing threats from a group capable of operating with substantial military resources from one of the world’s poorest nations.
Understanding the Houthis' Origins and Ideology
The Houthis, or Ansar Allah, emerged in Yemen's tumultuous atmosphere, fueled by Iranian influence during the Arab Spring, capitalizing on social rifts within Yemeni society. Their ideology is expressed starkly through their flag, which calls for death to America and Israel, aligning them firmly as an Iranian proxy aimed at challenging regional adversaries, particularly Saudi Arabia and Israel. The Iranian regime strategically used the Houthis to disrupt Saudi interests while simultaneously escalating their hostility towards Israel, particularly following the conflict that erupted on October 7. The Houthis’ positioning illustrates Iran’s broader ambitions in the region, employing proxies to exert influence and destabilize its adversaries.
Global Implications of Houthi Actions
The Houthis have not only impacted regional security but also disrupted global shipping routes, significantly affecting international trade and increasing costs for shipping companies. Their ability to launch missile attacks and hijack vessels has led to a significant decline in shipping activity through the Red Sea, hitting international shipping operations hard. Despite some level of international action against the Houthis, including targeted strikes led by the U.S. and allied forces, the group's persistence poses ongoing challenges for global commerce and regional stability. The strategic threat they pose emphasizes the need for a coordinated international effort to counter their influence, as their actions resonate far beyond Yemen.
Since the start of the war, the Houthis—an Iran-backed Shia Islamist group—have launched hundreds of attacks on Israel, disrupted global trade by targeting vital Red Sea shipping routes, and destabilized an entire region.
How did a rebel group from one of the world’s poorest countries come to possess such advanced military capabilities? Who are the Houthis, and why is the world still unwilling to confront them directly?
To break it all down, I’m joined by retired Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus—a former IDF spokesperson, senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, and leading expert on the Middle East.
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Guest Bio:
Jonathan Conricus is a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies focused on the Middle East. He served in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) for 24 years as a combat commander in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip. He also served as a military diplomat, foreign relations expert, and international spokesperson. He recently retired as lieutenant colonel. Jonathan was the first Israeli officer to be seconded to the United Nations (UN), during which he provided military and strategic analysis for UN peacekeeping forces. He has directed social media and public diplomacy efforts and has extensive on- and off-camera experience from his years as a spokesperson.
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