Israel has reportedly urged the United States to resume its military operations against the Iran-backed group and to spearhead the formation of a broader international coalition to confront the growing threat to global maritime security.
The appeal follows a surge in Houthi aggression this week, which included the deadly seizure of two vessels in the Red Sea, an area increasingly destabilized by the group’s operations. Israeli officials conveyed to Washington that the current wave of assaults has outgrown the scope of a national security concern and now demands a multilateral response. The ongoing attacks, they warned, “can no longer remain solely an Israeli problem.”
According to sources familiar with the matter, Israel is seeking “more intense combined attacks against Houthi regime targets.” These would go beyond the current Israeli Air Force strikes and involve renewed U.S. military action as well as participation from other nations committed to preserving the safety of key international shipping routes.
A senior Israeli security official emphasized the need for a coordinated military front, saying, “A broad coalition is needed to convey to the Houthi regime that it is in danger.” The call for international collaboration underlines fears that unchecked Houthi aggression could imperil not only Israeli vessels, but also global commerce and energy supplies transiting through the Red Sea.
This development comes after the cessation of a U.S.-led aerial campaign in May, following a short-lived agreement between Washington and the Houthis aimed at reducing tensions in the region. Since then, the rebel group, which controls large parts of Yemen including its capital, Sana’a, has escalated its maritime operations, targeting vessels it claims are linked to Israel or its allies.
Israeli authorities argue that the lull in international pressure has emboldened the Houthis, who have increased both the frequency and intensity of their attacks. The Red Sea, a critical artery for international trade, has seen rising incidents of vessel hijackings, drone strikes, and missile launches—raising alarms among shipping companies and naval forces operating in the region.
The Israeli request was reportedly made during high-level discussions coinciding with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s current visit to Washington. While specific channels through which the message was delivered remain undisclosed, the timing of the appeal suggests that it was a central point of strategic dialogue between the two allies.
Military analysts suggest that re-engaging the Houthis militarily would not only require American support but also significant diplomatic efforts to build a robust coalition involving Gulf states, European navies, and possibly Asian maritime powers with vested interests in Red Sea stability.
This is not the first time Israel has voiced concern over the Houthis’ growing regional reach. With Iranian support, the group has steadily expanded its military capabilities, including advanced drone technology and precision-guided missiles. Their strategic position along the Bab el-Mandeb Strait—one of the world’s most vital chokepoints for oil and commercial shipping—gives them leverage over international supply chains.
As the situation continues to deteriorate, Israeli leaders appear increasingly determined to mobilize international pressure and military deterrence to curb Houthi influence. Whether the U.S. and other nations will respond with direct involvement remains to be seen, but the stakes—both strategic and economic—are undeniably rising.
