Red Sea Crisis: A Crisis That Can Be Turned Into a Breakthrough

The Houthi takeover of territories in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, defeating Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces, creates a regional crisis. The author, Dr. Michael Milstein, argues that Israel should see this as an opportunity to form regional alliances with Arab countries that share a common enemy, even at the cost of dialogue on the Palestinian issue. The crisis threatens shipping routes and oil exports, causing serious concern in Saudi Arabia.

The Houthi takeover of territories controlling the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, defeating Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces, creates a regional crisis with international implications. The author, Dr. Michael Milstein, argues that Israel should see this as an opportunity to form regional alliances with Arab countries that share a common enemy, even at the cost of dialogue on the Palestinian issue. The crisis threatens international shipping routes and oil exports, causing serious concern in Saudi Arabia, the Houthis' bitter rival. The Saudis renewed strikes in Yemen in July 2026, and the Houthis responded by targeting Saudi Aramco oil facilities and banning Saudi vessels from moving through Bab el-Mandeb. The author notes that even the US and Israel, which have dealt heavy blows to the Houthis, have not been able to defeat them. He emphasizes that the crisis casts a shadow over Netanyahu's "vision of a new Middle East" and demonstrates that enemies do not disappear quickly.