Netanyahu Declares Israel is Not Included in U.S.-Houthi Ceasefire
- 17GEN4
- May 7
- 3 min read
Updated: May 9
Jerusalem, May 7, 2025 – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Wednesday that Israel is not part of a recently brokered ceasefire agreement between the United States and Yemen’s Houthi rebels, signaling that the Iran-backed group’s attacks on Israeli targets may continue unabated. The statement follows the U.S. decision to halt airstrikes against the Houthis in exchange for the group ceasing attacks on American vessels, a deal mediated by Oman that explicitly excludes Israel.
In a post on X, Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s resolve to defend itself independently, stating, “Israel will defend itself on its own. If the Americans join in – it’s good as well.” This came shortly after reports surfaced that the Houthis, who have launched missile and drone attacks on Israel in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, declared the ceasefire does not cover operations against Israel. A Houthi spokesperson told Reuters that the agreement “does not include sparing Israel,” suggesting continued aggression against Israeli-linked targets, including vessels in the Red Sea.
The U.S.-Houthi ceasefire, announced by President Donald Trump on May 6, aims to de-escalate tensions in the Red Sea, where Houthi attacks have disrupted global trade. Oman’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the deal, stating it ensures “freedom of navigation and the smooth flow of international commercial shipping” by preventing attacks on U.S. vessels. However, Houthi chief negotiator Mohammed Ali al-Houthi described the ceasefire as a “victory” that isolates Israel, calling it a “failure” for Netanyahu and urging the Israeli leader to resign.
Netanyahu’s remarks underscore growing friction between Israel and its key ally, the United States, as the ceasefire leaves Israel to confront Houthi threats alone. The Houthis have intensified their campaign against Israel since the collapse of a Gaza ceasefire in March, including a missile strike on Ben Gurion Airport on May 4 that injured six people and prompted Netanyahu to vow retaliation against both the Houthis and their “Iranian terror masters.” Israeli airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen followed, hitting Sanaa airport and Red Sea ports, escalating the regional conflict.
Analysts suggest the U.S.-Houthi deal reflects a broader American push to reduce military commitments in the Middle East while maintaining influence through diplomacy. However, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham indicated that Israel may now face Iran-backed proxies like the Houthis without direct U.S. support, stating Israel is “on its own” in this regard.
The exclusion of Israel from the ceasefire has sparked debate within the country...
As tensions simmer, the international community watches closely. Saudi Arabia welcomed the U.S.-Houthi ceasefire for its potential to protect international navigation, but Israel’s continued military operations in Gaza and Yemen risk further destabilizing the region. Netanyahu’s government has signaled it will maintain its aggressive stance, with plans to expand operations in Gaza to pressure Hamas, even as Qatar reports “slight progress” toward a new ceasefire there.
The situation remains fluid, with Israel bracing for potential Houthi retaliation and the U.S. navigating its delicate balancing act in the Middle East. For now, Netanyahu’s declaration makes clear that Israel intends to chart its own course, with or without its allies’ support.
Sources:
Reuters: “US-Houthi ceasefire deal does not include Israel, says Houthi spokesperson”
Al Jazeera: “Yemen’s Houthis say attacks on Israel not in US ceasefire deal in ‘any way’”
The Times of Israel: “Hailing Houthi truce, Trump says he’ll address Houthi strikes on Israel if they happen”
Newsweek: “Houthis Declare Trump Ceasefire a ‘Failure’ for Israel’s Netanyahu”
The Guardian: “Netanyahu vows to act against Houthis after attack on Israel’s main airport”
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