Sanaa: Palestinian writer and political analyst Ihab Zaki said the rapidly unfolding developments in Yemen go beyond the local confrontation to touch the heart of the regional and international conflict.
According to Yemen News Agency, Zaki explained that the ongoing operations in Yemen are purely Yemeni in their origins and objectives, primarily aimed at breaking the Saudi blockade. He highlighted that while the blockade bears a Saudi face, its objectives extend beyond Saudi interests, serving a US decision and placing Israeli interests at its core. This is particularly significant after the blockade declared by Yemen alongside the war on Gaza brought the Port of Eilat, a crucial artery of the Israeli economy, to a standstill.
Zaki mentioned that the liberation of Yemen's western coast up to the Bab al-Mandab Strait falls within the broader regional war. The Resistance Axis would then become the sole force controlling two of the world's most strategic straits, thereby expanding the confrontation beyond its purely Yemeni dimensions to become part of the wider regional landscape.
The political analyst criticized Saudi Arabia's reliance on 'checkbook diplomacy,' noting that the rapid collapse of what the Saudi enemy had built over 11 years within only a few hours demonstrates that balances of power cannot be bought with money. He emphasized that security and stability are not commodities to be traded, adding that Riyadh finds itself alone in confronting Yemen despite seeking US intervention.
Zaki warned that every day's delay in lifting the blockade increases the political, economic, and military costs Saudi Arabia will face. He suggested that replacing 'bribery diplomacy' with 'stubbornness diplomacy' will not yield solutions, but will further deepen Riyadh's defeat. He cautioned that waiting for 'clouds of paper alliances' amounts to a helpless patience of a party that will receive no rewards, particularly as other regional actors distance themselves from the conflict.
The Palestinian analyst noted growing concern in Israel regarding Yemen's increasing ability to choke its main lifeline in the Red Sea. He recalled that Israel's 1967 attack on Egypt included reasons such as the closure of the Straits of Tiran and Sanafir. Zaki cited previous remarks by Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir that Israel's reach extends from Gaza to Bab al-Mandab, and the Hebrew press considers this the time to prove it, despite past failures of the US and Israeli efforts to confront Ansarullah.
Zaki concluded that Ansarullah's reach to the Bab al-Mandab Strait signifies not only a Saudi defeat but also a setback for the primary parties to the war, namely the United States and Israel. The repercussions of these developments are expected to be regional and international as much as they are Yemeni.
The writer highlighted two significant developments in his analysis. First, Ansarullah announced that navigation through the strait and the Red Sea remains safe and will not be affected, which he described as evidence of 'high-level diplomacy.' Second, the treatment of Saudi-backed fighters held captive and the declaration of a general amnesty for those who lay down their arms reflect 'high moral standards,' in contrast to retaliatory practices observed in some Arab arenas.
A few days ago, the Yemeni Armed Forces announced details of a specialized military operation on the western coast, codenamed 'Allah Is Stronger in Might and More Severe in Punishment.' The operation achieved rapid advances, resulting in the seizure of six districts, including the city and port of Mokha, as well as Mayyun Island, Zuqar Island, and other strategic areas.
Israeli security and political circles have closely followed recent developments in Yemen, expressing deep concern over Ansarullah's control of strategic positions and the Bab al-Mandab Strait. Israeli officials have called for urgent action and the formation of an international coalition to counter Ansarullah, warning of potential 'chaos' that could disrupt crucial shipping routes and affect Western and Israeli interests. Reports indicate that the Israeli navy and air force have increased their readiness levels, anticipating further developments or potential attempts by Yemen to impose a naval blockade.
Additionally, media reports suggest claims that Saudi Arabia, through Washington, has requested Israeli intelligence cooperation to counter the risk of the Bab al-Mandab Strait being closed and to prevent Ansarullah from expanding its regional influence.
