(JNS) Many wonder why the Houthis have largely held back from striking Israel, despite the escalating confrontation with Iran.
Two factors help explain this restraint: a split among operatives of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in Yemen over whether the Houthis should intervene, and the Houthis’ own interest in consolidating power at home after the coalition that once fought them—led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates—has effectively collapsed.
Over the past month, many observers expected escalation across the Middle East as tensions around Iran intensified. Yet few anticipated the scale and timing of the latest developments. Among the most surprised appear to be the movement’s leaders in Yemen. While they were aware that confrontation was possible, the current situation seems to have unfolded faster—and more dramatically—than they had anticipated.
Inside Yemen, reports from analysts and regional watchers suggest that operatives linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps are not entirely aligned on how the Houthis should respond. Some argue that they must immediately escalate in support of Iran and demonstrate that the so-called...
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