Proxy relationship

How the Houthis went from a small mountain militia in Yemen to a major regional threat - explainer

The Houthis evolved into a formidable fighting force with Iran's support, capable of disrupting vital shipping and striking regional infrastructure. The UN assesses that they have 350,000 fighters.

|ByREUTERS
Supporters of the Iran-backed Houthi movement, brandish their weapons as they rally in solidarity with Iran and Lebanon, in Sanaa on April 8, 2026, following the announcement of a ceasefire in the Middle East war.
Iran-aligned Houthi fighters occupy a firing position in a screengrab from a video said to show Houthi fighters attacking Saudi-backed forces in the location given by the source as al Jawf governorate, Yemen.

Houthi Red Sea advance, drone strikes leave Saudi Arabia isolated in major conflict - analysis

Houthi Red Sea offensive leaves Riyadh isolated

|BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
Prime Minister Netanyahu on Mount Hermon, overlooking Syria during a tour briefing him and the Defense Minister Israel Katz on the situation with Syria.

Asserting control in Syria: Netanyahu pledges the defeat of Iran, defense of border from proxies

"We will not allow any terror army to establish itself on our border, and this is one of the monumental achievements we have secured in the War of Revival."

|ByJONAH DAVIDOV
A boy holds up a toy weapon as he joins Houthi supporters during an anti-Saudi rally amid an escalation with the kingdom, in Sanaa, Yemen, July 31, 2026.

Iran's 'last man standing': Will weakening Houthis put Iran's Middle East plans to bed? - analysis

If the Iranian regime doesn’t collapse, that doesn’t mean change is stymied. In fact, a blockaded and weakened Iran may not be able to support its proxies as much.

|BySETH J. FRANTZMAN

Jerusalem-Astana ties on upswing as Kazakhstan poised to join Security Council

The central Asian nation is interested, the officials said, in tapping into Israel’s experience with homeland security and border vigilance.

AUGUST 23, 2016ByHERB KEINON
A general view of Akorda, the official residence of Kazakhstan's President, in Astana, Kazakhstan.