Yemen’s Houthi movement has declared a nationwide mobilization, urging allied tribes to prepare for a possible Israeli offensive amid rising regional tensions, according to Chinese Xinhua news agency.
The call followed remarks by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who identified the Houthis as a threat to Israel and confirmed efforts to neutralize their capabilities.
The group, which controls Sanaa and most of northwestern Yemen, stated it was on full alert and ready to respond to any military escalation. Houthi official Mohammed Al-Farrah warned that Israel would bear significant political and economic consequences if it launched new airstrikes on Yemen.
Armed tribal fighters gathered in the Arhab district north of Sanaa, displaying weapons and chanting against Israel, with similar demonstrations reported in other Houthi-held provinces.
In August, Israel targeted Houthi sites in Sanaa following missile and drone attacks on Israeli ports and airports. The strikes killed dozens of Houthi figures and destroyed key facilities in Hodeidah and Sanaa.
The United Nations continues to press for the release of detained Yemeni UN staff, after recent Oman-mediated talks secured the freedom of 20 foreign aid workers. UN Envoy Hans Grundberg met with Houthi and Iranian officials in Muscat on Monday to revive peace negotiations.
Since the Gaza conflict began in October 2023, the Houthis have intensified their attacks on Israeli territory and Red Sea shipping routes, claiming responsibility for the sinking of several vessels linked to Israel.
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