The Objectives and Motivations of the Houthi Rebels

The Houthi rebels aim to boost their regional prestige by carrying out strikes, such as blockading the Red Sea, shutting down the Suez Canal, and taking the fight to Israel and its partners. Their actions could bolster their political standing inside Yemen and enhance their regional prestige. Their motivations seem to involve a mix of opportunism and ideology, as indicated by their motto 'death to America, death to Israel, a curse upon the Jews.' Additionally, the rebels may be using these actions as a distraction from domestic difficulties and a failure to deliver at home, ultimately gaining support in their war against 'Zionist imperial supporters.'