Bab al-Mandab

Voices from the Arab Press: Hezbollah's retreat, Egypt's extremism problem, and Yemen's crossroads

A weekly selection of opinions and analyses from the Arab media around the world.

|ByTHE MEDIA LINE
HOUTHI SUPPORTERS lose their minds at an anti-Saudi rally in Sana’a, Yemen, July 31.
Prime Minister Netanyahu at the Ashdod Naval Base, October 4, 2026.

Netanyahu warns of rising maritime threats during Ashdod Navy base visit

During a visit to the Navy base in Ashdod, Netanyahu warned that the maritime arena had become an international battlefield and pledged to expand Israel’s naval capabilities.

|ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF, AMICHAI STEIN
FILE PHOTO: Houthi supporters shout slogans during an anti-Saudi rally amid an escalation with the kingdom, in Sanaa, Yemen, July 31, 2026.

US could join Saudi-Yemen war against Houthis if upcoming large-scale offensive goes south - report

Saudi Arabia asked the US whether it would provide aerial support during the operation, but it was refused twice over the past few weeks. 

|ByMIRIAM SELA-EITAM
What is said to be a missile is launched in what Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis say is an attack on the Red Sea port city of Mocha, Yemen.

Saudi Arabia launched more than 90 attacks in Yemen in 24 hours, Houthis claim - report

Reuters also reported Friday that Saudi Arabia is preparing an offensive against the Houthis to break the chokehold and secure the shipping routes in the Red Sea.

|ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF, REUTERS

Oil tankers turn around, avoid Red Sea following warnings by Yemen's Houthis

The Iran-aligned Houthis on Monday declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia, opening a potential new front against the United States in its war with Iran.

JULY 22, 2026ByREUTERS
The Red Sea

Iran’s Houthi gamble at Bab al-Mandab might strengthen Washington - opinion

By deploying the Houthis as a pressure lever, Iran opens a new and highly sensitive front.

MARCH 30, 2026ByHABTOM GHEBREZGHIABHER
MEMBERS OF Houthi military forces parade in the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah, Yemen. Threatening to close the Bab al-Mandab Strait could end up strengthening Washington, the writer says.

Iran warns its ready to open new front in Yemen, close Bab al-Mandab Strait with Houthis - report

"The Bab al-Mandab Strait is considered one of the strategic straits in the world, and Iran has the will to produce a completely credible threat against it," an Iranian official told Tasnim.

MARCH 25, 2026ByTOBIAS HOLCMAN
A Houthi protester with a poster of Ali Khamenei demonstrates amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Sanaa, Yemen, March 6, 2026

Israel’s quiet gambit on the Red Sea chessboard - opinion

Recognition of Somaliland offers a way to shape the broader strategic environment around the Red Sea.

JANUARY 15, 2026ByLIRON ROSE, AMIT SHABI
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar meets with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi in first diplomatic visit to Somaliland on January 6, 2026.

Germany accuses China of targeting aircraft with laser over Red Sea

Berlin summons Chinese ambassador after incident involving military surveillance aircraft; Beijing denies accusations.

JULY 10, 2025BySIMON KEJZMAN
Beechcraft 350 reconnaissance aircraft.