FROM the start of the conflict in Israel-Gaza, Western governments have hoped that the crisis would be contained rather than becoming a wider, regional war. And now that fear seems to have been realised: the US and UK air strikes on Houthi bases in Yemen last night are a response to Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea. And the rebels justified those attacks on the basis that the shipping was supporting Israel’s war.
This was not true for the most part. Last night’s attacks, supported militarily by other Western nations, on the bases from which the Houthis launched their drone strikes was squarely designed to protect one of the world’s most important trade routes. As such, they are entirely justified. The Prime Minister’s statement made that aim very clear. It is important to underline the point: this is not the UK aiding Israel but a bid to ensure that global trade can continue without risk from Houthi drones.
