Houthis Find a New Enemy: Instead of Israel and the US – Saudi Arabia

The Houthis in Yemen have shifted their public focus from Israel and the US to Saudi Arabia, intensifying rhetoric against the kingdom amid military confrontation and blockade. Experts link this to an attempt to divert attention from the worsening economic situation and regain popular support.

The Iran-backed Houthi regime in Yemen has changed its public rhetoric, focusing on Saudi Arabia instead of Israel and the US. In recent weeks, leaders' statements, social media hashtags, and armed tribal gatherings have increasingly targeted the kingdom. The reason is the escalation of military confrontation with Saudi Arabia, which supports the internationally recognized Yemeni government and participates in the blockade of Houthi-controlled areas. Experts note that the emphasis on 'Saudi aggression' allows the Houthis to divert attention from the worsening economic situation and growing public discontent. Despite the shift in focus, the movement's main slogan remains: 'Death to America, death to Israel, curse the Jews, victory to Islam.' Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi stated that the US, Britain, and Israel are pushing the Saudis toward escalation. A source in Sanaa confirmed that the leadership ordered the unification of rhetoric against Saudi Arabia and to temporarily avoid other topics.