Houthi Internal Divisions Shape Response to Regional Conflict

A strategic debate within the Houthi movement is driving a cautious approach to the ongoing US-Israel conflict in the Red Sea.

The Houthi movement in Yemen is currently divided between factions advocating for restraint and those pushing for a more assertive role in regional conflicts, particularly concerning the “axis of resistance” supported by Iran. This divergence in opinion has significantly influenced the group’s actions throughout the first months of the US-Israel war on Iran, beginning in March 2025. The core of the division stems from the Houthis’ initial support for Hamas following Operation Al-Aqsa Flood on October 7, 2023, and the subsequent retaliatory strikes by the United States and Israel which continued for approximately two months, culminating in an agreement mediated by Oman in May. This period of direct engagement, lasting over two years, profoundly impacted the group's internal calculations. One faction within the Houthis, primarily composed of senior leaders, argues that the cost of their involvement – encompassing military losses, leadership casualties, civilian deaths, and the strain on Yemen’s infrastructure and political relationships, particularly with Saudi Arabia – was excessively high. This group prioritizes avoiding direct confrontation, maintaining existing agreements, and limiting interventions to targeted political support or small, contained operations to prevent escalation. Conversely, a more dynamic current believes the present situation represents a critical juncture for the “axis of resistance” and that any hesitation could jeopardize the Houthis’ position in the evolving geopolitical landscape. This faction sees the opportunity to strengthen their influence amid the shifting regional balance of power and the potential reshaping of the conflict following the US-Israel operation. The Houthis' response has been characterized by a measured strategy, oscillating between heightened political rhetoric and the execution of carefully monitored operations beginning on March 27. This approach demonstrates a conscious effort to avoid crossing pre-defined boundaries set by the group's military spokesperson, specifically concerning the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. As the regional conflict expands and the balance of power shifts, the stability of this internal division remains uncertain, potentially leading to further fluctuations in the Houthis’ strategic direction.