Israel's Strike on Hodeidah Updates:On July 20, Israel carried out its first airstrike on Yemen's port city of Hodeidah, marking a dramatic escalation in the ongoing conflict. The attack, which hit fuel tanks and port facilities controlled by the Houthi rebels, resulted in the deaths of at least six people and injured many others. This strike came just a day after a Houthi drone attack on Tel Aviv, which claimed one life.

The recent strikes have significantly altered the dynamics of the regional conflict. By successfully targeting Tel Aviv, the Houthis have shown their capability to breach Israel’s Iron Dome defense system and initiate direct strikes. This has shifted the balance, exposing Israel to new forms of attack from the "Axis of Resistance," a coalition led by Iran that includes Iraqi Shiite groups, Lebanese Hezbollah, Palestinian factions like Hamas, and the Syrian government.

In response to the rising tensions, Gulf Arab nations, particularly Saudi Arabia, are increasingly concerned about potential spillover effects. Saudi Arabia, which has been focusing on its Vision 2030 economic plans, is keen to avoid becoming deeply involved in the Gaza conflict or attracting Houthi aggression.

Since late 2022, Saudi Arabia has engaged in cautious diplomacy with the Houthis to mitigate cross-border threats. To protect these delicate negotiations, the Kingdom has avoided joining the US-led “Operation Prosperity Guardian,” a coalition formed in December 2023 to address Houthi attacks on international shipping lanes.

The Houthis, frustrated by Yemen’s ongoing issues and their failed attempts to coordinate with Israel, have intensified their rhetoric against Saudi Arabia. They have accused the Kingdom of collaborating with Israel, though Saudi Arabia has firmly denied these claims. The Saudi defense ministry has stated that it had "no links to or involvement in targeting Hodeidah," aiming to preserve its fragile relationship with the Houthis.

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