Israel asks diplomats to seek Houthis' designation as ‘terrorists’

People attend a graduation ceremony for cadet, completed their military training under the name of “Aqsa Flood”, organized by the Houthis, in Arhab district of Sana’a, Yemen on February 4, 2024. [Mohammed Hamoud – Anadolu Agency]

Israel has instructed its diplomatic missions in Europe to try to get the Iran-backed Houthi movement in Yemen designated as a terrorist organisation, Reuters has reported.

The Houthis have repeatedly fired drones and missiles towards Israel in what the group describes as acts of solidarity with Palestinians who are facing genocide at the hands of Israel in Gaza. The attacks have also disrupted international shipping in the Red Sea, forcing companies to re-route via the Cape of Good Hope, increasing shipping costs and stoking fears over global inflation.

“The Houthis pose a threat not only to Israel but also to the region and the entire world,” claimed Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar. “The first and most basic thing to do is to designate them as a terrorist organisation.”

He added that the United States, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Israel currently designate the Houthis as terrorists, although they are the de facto government in Yemen.

The Israeli military on Saturday failed to intercept a missile from Yemen that fell in the Tel Aviv-Jaffa area, injuring 14 people.

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