Israel pushing international coalition as solution to Houthi threat, official says

Israel’s solution to the Houthi threat from Yemen is based on working with an international coalition, an Israeli official tells The Times of Israel.

“The Houthis should not be under-rated,” says the official. “They are more technologically advanced than perceived by many. They are ideologically toxic, and they have displayed the will to fight against the Saudis and others.”

“The Houthis pose a threat to international security and global trade,” the official continues. “Therefore, an international coalition should confront and eliminate this threat.”

The official adds that Israel has “exposed Iran’s vulnerabilities” and that there is an opportunity now for Israel to work with an international coalition “to put the Houthis in their box.”

Attempts to reach a hostage deal with Hamas remain stuck, the Israeli official adds, reiterating that a major obstacle is still Hamas’s refusal to provide Israel with a list of living hostages.

Given Hamas’s positions in negotiations, there is growing skepticism by some that a deal can be reached at all, let alone before Donald Trump returns to the White House, according to the official.