Experts describe the links between Iran and the Houthis as an “axis of resistance”. It is a conglomeration of militant networks with anti-American and anti-Zionist ideals that unites several militias, including Lebanon’s Hezbollah, Hamas, Yemen’s Houthis, and militias in Iraq and Afghanistan.
These different militias are generally affiliated and to some extent coordinated by Iran. They are mostly funded by Tehran. As Didier Leroy explains, an “axis of Iranian resistance” is indeed present “A set of militant events that create life insurance for Iran in its balance of power with regional adversaries Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the United States.”.
For Vincent Eifling, on an ideological, almost existential level, “These movements believe that their survival depends on their opposition to the West and the values of the West, which are the expansion of Israel in the Middle East.”
In this case, Houthi rebels are stationed in Yemen “One of the elements of a militant group in which Iran sought to develop its balance of power with its Israeli adversary”Didier Leroy explains.
After all, Iran has no interest in entering into open conflict with Israel. But, as David Rigolet-Ross explains, these types of activities also demonstrate mobilizing potential “One of its surrogates, not least.” According to Vincent Eifling, in the context of the war in Gaza, “Iran will do everything to annoy the Israelis as much as possible while acting as covertly as possible. In this, the Houthis can be a good screen.”.
So, this axis of resistanceThrough the logic of armed militias filtered across the Middle East, Iran remains a tool to keep pressure on Israel without crossing a red line.
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