Photo: Arab News
The Red Sea, once a symbol of trade and communication, has become a battleground. Yemeni Houthis, armed with Iranian missiles and fuelled by radical ideology, have turned this vital route into a zone of chaos, attacking ships that power the global economy. But their aggression has a broader goal: to destabilise the region, undermine Israel’s security, and challenge the United States as the guarantor of global order. In this struggle, Israel and the United States have united not just as allies, but as bastions of freedom standing up to tyranny and terror.
Houthis: An instrument of Iranian aggression against Israel
The Houthis, a Shiite group from northern Yemen, have long since gone beyond local rebels. Their attacks on civilian vessels in the Red Sea, which they justify as “retaliation” for Israel’s actions in Gaza, are part of a broader Iranian strategy. Tehran, which has been seeking to destroy Israel for decades through its proxies – from Hezbollah to Hamas – has found a new tool in the Houthis. Armed with ballistic missiles and kamikaze drones, the Houthis not only threaten trade, but also pose a direct threat to Israel, whose ports in Eilat are in the crosshairs.
These attacks are not just economic sabotage. They are an attempt to isolate Israel, the only democracy in the Middle East, from the world, weaken its trade and force Jerusalem to focus on internal security. But Israel, hardened by decades of fighting terror, did not give in. Its navy has stepped up patrols in the Red Sea, and its cooperation with US forces has reached unprecedented levels. “We will not allow Iran and its puppets to strangle us,” said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after another Houthi attack on an Israeli ship in February 2025.
THE UNITED STATES: Defender of freedom of navigation and ally of Israel
The United States, led by President Donald Trump, responded to the challenge with characteristic determination. On the night of 15 March, US fighter jets carried out devastating strikes on Houthi positions, including weapons depots, launchers and training camps. “We will not allow terrorists to dictate the rules in the Red Sea,” Trump proclaimed in his address to the nation, stressing that Israel’s security and freedom of trade are inseparable.
This operation is not just a show of force. It is a signal to Iran, Russia and their allies: The United States is back, and it will not stand idly by when its key ally is under threat. Operation Prosperity Watch, launched in 2024 with the UK, has already proven that the US Navy is capable of protecting shipping. But the current escalation underscores a broader mission: to stop the “Axis of Resistance” to which the Houthis proudly identify themselves.
Trump, known for his unwavering support for Israel, sees the Houthis not only as a local problem but also as part of a global struggle. “If we don’t stop them here, they will come to our shores,” he added, recalling how the West’s weakness in the past only fuelled the terrorists’ ambitions.
Joint Struggle: Israel and the United States as beacons of stability
The partnership between Israel and the United States in this crisis is more than military cooperation. It is an alliance of values: democracy, freedom, and the right of peoples to exist in security. Israel, surrounded by enemies, and the United States, as a global leader, are standing together against forces that seek chaos. Their coordination – from intelligence sharing to joint operations in the Red Sea – is an example of how allies can act decisively and effectively.
The Iranian-backed Houthis may shout about “justice” and “resistance”, but their actions speak for themselves: attacks on innocent sailors, economic blackmail and terror against civilians. In contrast, Israel and the United States offer order – order that allows ships to sail without fear and countries to prosper without the pressure of dictators.
Why it matters to the world
The Red Sea is not just water. It is an artery that feeds world trade, providing 15% of global shipping. If the Houthis win, prices for everything from fuel to food will rise, and Israel will be even more isolated. But if Israel and the United States prevail, it will be a victory not only for them, but for all who value stability and freedom.
Critics may call the US strikes “aggression” or “militarism”, but the reality is simple: when terrorists threaten the world, someone has to act. Israel, fighting for its survival, and the United States, defending the global order, have taken on this burden. Their resolve is not only a response to the Houthis, but also a warning to Iran and its allies: there will be a price for attempts to destabilise the region.
Looking to the future
The Houthis have vowed to “retaliate” for the strikes, but their capabilities are weakening. Israeli and American technology-from Iron Dome air defence systems to aircraft carriers in the Persian Gulf-is outnumbered by Iranian missiles and home-made drones. The negotiations that the Houthis have suddenly proposed may be a sign of desperation rather than strength.
In this fight, Israel and the United States are not just defending themselves. They are defending the world from those who would burn it down. And in the darkness over the Red Sea, their shared resolve shines like a beacon – a reminder that freedom is always worth the fight.
Author : Marianna Nyzhnia
