Al-Houthi proposed a diplomatic approach to de-escalate what he termed the "militarization" of the Red Sea. He suggested that ships sailing through the Red Sea, Bab El-Mandeb, or the Arabian Sea should broadcast the statement, "we have no relationship with Israel." This, according to Al-Houthi, is a cost-effective solution that does not require the militarization of the Red Sea and poses no threat to international navigation.
The call comes in the wake of the Houthi militia's recent seizure of the commercial ship Galaxy Leader and a series of more than 20 missile and drone attacks on both commercial and navy vessels in the Red Sea. These actions were taken as part of the Houthi ban on all ships bound for Israel from using this crucial maritime channel. The Houthis assert that these measures are aimed at pressuring Israel to cease its airstrikes on Gaza.
On Saturday, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that the USS Laboon (DDG 59) naval destroyer successfully intercepted a drone launched by the Houthis near commercial ships in international waters of the Red Sea.
Simultaneously, Houthi leaders have reiterated threats to attack US Navy ships in the Red Sea in response to the deaths of 10 of their combatants. The head of the Houthi political council, Mahdi Al-Mashat, declared that the militia would only consider stepping back from their retaliatory stance if the United States handed over the marines responsible for firing at their fighters on December 31 in the Red Sea.
Addressing allied military commanders in the western city of Hodeidah, Al-Mashat emphasized, "Retaliation is unavoidable, except in one case: if you give over the murderers and terrorist criminals among your troops who murdered our heroes in the armed forces to be tried in the Republic of Yemen."
