The Houthis have informed the United States that they do not intend to attack Israeli or American ships, according to a Reuters report cited by Israeli media. Analyst Tamir Morg described the message as a tactical move stemming from deterrence, saying both countries have struck Houthi targets. The pledge appears to reaffirm commitments reportedly made during a secret US-Houthi meeting in Oman earlier this week.
The Houthis have reaffirmed to the United States that they will not target Israeli or American vessels, a message that analysts interpret as a tactical de-escalation driven by military pressure rather than a shift in ideology.
As The Zioneer reported earlier Wednesday, Reuters disclosed that senior Houthi leaders and US officials held a secret meeting in Oman on Sunday, during which the Houthis pledged not to attack US or Israeli ships — but excluded Saudi vessels from the commitment. The new report appears to confirm that the message has been formally conveyed.
Tamir Morg, commenting on the development, said the Houthi position is 'a product of deterrence,' noting that 'they have been attacked by both countries.' He described it as 'a tactical message' intended to allow the group to choose its battles, rather than a gesture of goodwill.
The Houthis have maintained a campaign against Israeli-linked shipping and launched missile attacks toward Israel in recent months, including a claim of striking the Jaffa area in June. The US has conducted multiple strikes against Houthi positions, and President Trump recently threatened renewed action if Red Sea attacks resume. The pledge, if upheld, would mark a significant easing of tensions on Israel's southern maritime front. However, it remains unclear whether the Houthis will extend the commitment to Saudi shipping or cease other forms of aggression, including drone and missile threats toward Israeli territory.
3 developments
- DevelopingHouthis announce renewed 'naval blockade', declare any Israeli vessel a target
- DevelopingHouthi military spokesperson claims missile strike on Jaffa, announces full ban on Israeli Red Sea shipping
- StrongHouthi spokesman warns Saudi airports targeted if blockade continues
- DevelopingSaudi source denies report of planned talks with Houthis under Omani mediation
Source and signal
- Open-source intake