The Houthi-Israeli Conflict in Yemen and Its Impact on Regional Stability

A news report dated August 31, 2025, claimed that an Israeli airstrike on Yemen’s capital, Sana’a, killed the Houthi-controlled government’s prime minister and other senior officials. Following the attack, the Houthis vowed to retaliate against Israel and continue their support for Palestinians in Gaza. The report also noted that the Houthis frequently targeted Israeli vessels and other ships in the Red Sea, threatening maritime trade routes. 
 
This development indicates that the conflict in Yemen has long surpassed the boundaries of a local civil war and evolved into a regional — and even global — security issue. From the perspective of international relations, the event highlights crucial discussions concerning regional power competition, international law, and global maritime security. 
 

1. The Houthis’ Transformation into a Regional Actor 
 

The Houthi movement, which began as an internal rebellion in Yemen, has since grown into a major regional player, largely due to Iran’s political and military support. Having gained control over northern Yemen and the capital, Sana’a, the Houthis have become an integral part of the so-called “Axis of Resistance,” a coalition of Iran-backed groups operating across the Middle East. 
 
With increasing access to advanced weaponry and technology, the Houthis have demonstrated the ability to disrupt global trade routes through the Red Sea. Their attacks on Israeli and Western-linked vessels not only threaten regional actors but also pose a direct risk to the global economy. This transformation reflects how localized conflicts can evolve into regional security challenges with worldwide implications. 
 

2. Israel’s Strategic Intervention and Legal Controversies 
 
Israel’s reported airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen raise significant questions regarding the legality and legitimacy of cross-border military actions. Under Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter, the use of force against another state’s territory is generally prohibited. Israel, however, justifies its actions under the principle of “self-defense,” citing Houthi attacks on its territory and maritime assets. 
 
This justification has reignited the debate on the legitimacy of preventive strikes and the limits of international law. While Israel emphasizes the necessity of defending its citizens, such operations often result in civilian casualties and infrastructure damage — factors that challenge international humanitarian norms. Thus, the Israeli-Houthi confrontation exemplifies the complex balance between state security and international legality. 
 
 
3. The Red Sea Crisis and Global Consequences 
 

The Red Sea is one of the world’s most strategic maritime corridors, carrying nearly 12% of global trade. Houthi attacks in this region have disrupted not only Israeli shipping but also international commerce, increasing insurance costs and slowing global energy transportation. 
 
This maritime insecurity demonstrates how a seemingly regional conflict can ripple outward, affecting supply chains between Asia, Europe, and Africa. The situation underlines the interdependence between international trade and security, a core theme in contemporary international relations theory. 
 
 
4. International Law, Legitimacy, and Ethical Concerns 
 

Both sides in this conflict challenge international legal norms. Houthi attacks on civilian vessels violate maritime law, while Israel’s cross-border strikes infringe on Yemen’s sovereignty. These violations highlight how national security arguments are increasingly used to justify actions beyond the bounds of international law. 
 
Such actions, though often framed as necessary for immediate defense, risk undermining the long-term stability of the global order. The erosion of respect for sovereignty and legality weakens the international system’s credibility and increases the likelihood of future conflicts conducted without legal restraint. 
 

5. Conclusion 
 

The recent escalation in Yemen illustrates how Middle Eastern conflicts are no longer confined to regional boundaries. The Houthis have emerged as a regional actor with external support from Iran, while Israel’s extended military reach reflects a growing trend toward proactive defense beyond national borders. 
 
However, this dynamic carries profound risks. Civilian harm, legal ambiguity, and maritime insecurity threaten to destabilize not only the region but also the global economy. As the conflict spills into key trade routes like the Red Sea, the international community faces a difficult question: how to balance state security interests with the preservation of international order. 
 
From an international relations perspective, this crisis represents more than a military confrontation — it is a test of the resilience of the global system and the principles upon which it is built. 
 

References 

Houthis Signal Pause on Attacks on Israel After Gaza Ceasefire. The Long War Journal / FDD, October 16, 2025. https://www.fdd.org 
 

Houthi Panic over Possible Israeli Strikes as Leader Tightens Security Measures. Asharq Al Awsat, October 24, 2025. https://english.aawsat.com 
 

Israel and the Houthis Escalate. The Soufan Center, September 17, 2025. https://thesoufancenter.org 
 

Israeli Strikes on Yemeni Capital Sanaa Kill Four, Wound Dozens. Reuters, August 24, 2025. https://www.reuters.com 
 

Israeli Strike Decimates Houthi Government in Yemen. Le Monde, September 2, 2025. https://www.lemonde.fr