In a notable shift, the Houthi leadership in Yemen has announced the cessation of their campaign against maritime interests linked to Israel. Following a US-Houthi ceasefire mediated by Oman in May, the Houthis had limited their attacks to vessels associated with Israel. However, their previous inaccuracies in targeting led many Western shipping lines to avoid the Red Sea due to fears of mistaken strikes. With the Houthis now declaring an end to these attacks, normal shipping traffic through the Red Sea and Suez Canal is expected to resume, providing a financial boost for the Suez Canal Authority, while potentially impacting ocean carriers that have benefited from alternative routes.
This change was communicated in a letter from the newly appointed Houthi Chief of Staff, Major General Yousef Hassan Al Madani, following the death of his predecessor in an airstrike. Al Ghamari was instrumental in the anti-shipping campaign and missile strikes against Israel. The letter not only announced the cessation of attacks on Israeli-linked shipping but also indicated a lifting of the ‘blockade’ on Israeli ports, which had involved random missile strikes. However, the Houthis reaffirmed their loyalty to Hamas, suggesting that any instability regarding Gaza could lead to renewed hostilities.
The reasons behind the Houthis’ decision remain unclear, but recent pressures from Israeli and US airstrikes, which targeted their missile infrastructure and resulted in significant leadership casualties, likely influenced their choice. Instead of escalating tensions to solidify internal loyalty, the Houthis have opted for a path of peace, which could bring economic benefits, including back-payments for government salaries in Houthi-controlled areas.
Additionally, the Houthis may have recognized the potential for political isolation if they continued their aggressive stance, especially amid regional reconciliations, such as the recent meeting between Syrian President Ahmed Al Sharaa and Yemeni National Resistance Leader Tareq Saleh. While the Houthis may not publicly acknowledge external influences, Oman’s mediating role is evident in their recent shift in strategy.
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