Yemen’s Houthi rebels confirmed Wednesday that their new ceasefire deal with the United States does not apply to Israel. The announcement casts doubt on hopes for a broader de-escalation in the region. President Donald Trump said Tuesday the U.S. would halt airstrikes against the Iran-aligned group after the Houthis agreed to stop targeting American vessels. Oman brokered the ceasefire, which follows months of Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping.
But Houthi spokesman Mohammed Abdulsalam told Reuters the agreement “does not include Israel in any way,” suggesting attacks on Israeli-linked ships or targets may continue. Tensions remain high after a Houthi missile landed near Tel Aviv this week, prompting Israeli strikes on Yemen.
The Houthis began attacking Red Sea routes after Israel’s war in Gaza began last October. While the U.S. is pausing its bombing campaign, Israel is not part of the deal and remains a target, the group said.
