Israeli officials concerned over Houthis' successful offensive in Yemen; Netanyahu said to offer military support

Summary

The article reports that the Iranian-backed Houthi movement has allegedly captured Yemen’s port city of al-Mokha and gained control of coastline near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a major Red Sea shipping chokepoint. The reported advance has raised concerns in Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the United States because Houthi control could increase threats to commercial vessels, Saudi interests, and Israel. Al-Akhbar, citing unnamed U.S. sources, reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offered Israeli military participation in a broader regional effort against the Houthis; Israel has not confirmed or denied the claim. Israeli officials and analysts warned that the Houthis could use the coastline to observe and attack shipping more directly. The article also says Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman urged U.S. President Donald Trump to authorize strikes, but Axios, citing unnamed U.S. officials, reported that Trump declined direct U.S. involvement and instead offered intelligence and targeting support. The report notes that Israel has previously struck Houthi targets after missile and drone attacks against Israel and international shipping. Israeli military leaders subsequently warned the Houthis and Iran that Israel would not permit terrorist organizations to establish threatening positions.