Trump does not strike Houthis — consequences threaten Israel

US President Donald Trump refused to launch new strikes against the Houthis in Yemen, despite requests from Saudi Arabia. The Houthis captured the port of Mocha and Perim Island in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, threatening Israel's access to the Red Sea. Shipping volume in the Red Sea has dropped by 60%.

US President Donald Trump refused to launch new strikes against the Houthis in Yemen, despite persistent requests from Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who called Trump twice on Thursday. The decision coincided with one of the most serious Houthi offensives in recent years: they captured the port of Mocha and Perim Island (Mayyun), located at the narrowest point of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. This gives them better positions to monitor shipping and pressure maritime traffic. For Israel, this poses a distinct threat, as access to the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean via Eilat depends on this strait. The Houthis have already demonstrated the ability to attack ships with missiles and drones; shipping volume in the Red Sea has dropped by about 60%. Amid the war with Iran and problems in the Strait of Hormuz, Iran gains the ability to pressure two critical maritime routes. Oil traded above $100 per barrel. The US continues to provide Saudi Arabia with intelligence support but does not plan to open a new front in Yemen.