‘Vanguard of Muslim causes’: Expert tells ‘Post’ why Houthis amplify aid to Hezbollah in media

The Houthis continue to promote propaganda claiming support for Hezbollah despite angering Yemenis enduring a humanitarian crisis, driven by their self-perception as the 'vanguard of Muslim causes,' according to FDD analyst Bridget Toomey. Yemen's interior minister shared footage exposing a warehouse with resources allegedly destined for Lebanon. Toomey noted the Houthis have sent resources to Hezbollah since at least 2019, and similar fundraising for Gaza has caused outrage in Yemen, where 80% live below the poverty line.

The Houthis continue to promote propaganda claiming they have provided support to Hezbollah, despite the anger it provokes among Yemenis enduring a humanitarian crisis, because of the group's perception of itself as the 'vanguard of Muslim causes and Muslim people,' according to Bridget Toomey, a research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. Toomey spoke to The Jerusalem Post after Yemen's Interior Minister shared footage aired by Yemeni television exposing a warehouse with resources allegedly set to be shipped to Lebanon. The Houthis have been known to send resources to Hezbollah since at least 2019, and similar fundraising for Gaza has caused significant outrage across Yemen, where 80% of citizens live under the poverty line. Toomey explained that the Houthis use humanitarian aid as a political tool to control the population, inserting themselves as intermediaries to coerce people. When asked why the Houthis risk angering their own people, Toomey said the supply of resources demonstrates support for Iran's axis and perpetuates the narrative of supporting 'oppressed' Muslims. The Houthis' claims of a blockade are dismissed by Toomey, who notes that supplies have been allowed in with vetting. The Houthis recently announced intentions to enforce a blockade against Saudi Arabia in retaliation for a strike on Sanaa airport.