Saudi Arabia attacks in Yemen; Houthi spokesman: 'Defending Israel'
The Iranian news agency 'Mahr' reported hearing explosions in Sana'a; Houthi leader Abdul-Malik Badr al-Din al-Houthi: The Saudi aggression exacerbated the siege on Yemen following our support actions in Gaza, thereby serving the Israeli enemy.
Assessment
Saudi airstrikes on Yemen have drawn a sharp accusation from Houthi leadership that Riyadh is effectively shielding Israel by tightening the siege on Yemen. The Houthi claim frames Saudi military action as a direct response to their own pro-Gaza operations, escalating a regional proxy dynamic. The key question is whether this Saudi-Houthi escalation will draw in Iran or further isolate the Houthis diplomatically.