An analyst told an Israeli television outlet that the Houthis do not have military capabilities beyond what he described as a harassment level, but their involvement in the conflict still carries weight. Their actions are seen as part of a broader political and psychological strategy rather than a decisive military shift.

He explained that leaders in both the United States and Israel are facing growing domestic pressure to demonstrate that the war will eventually come to an end. In this context, even limited participation by the Houthis adds another layer of complexity to the conflict.

According to the analyst, this additional pressure point strengthens Tehran’s position by reinforcing the message that it and its allies can prolong the confrontation. The move is therefore viewed less as a battlefield escalation and more as a calculated effort to influence political resolve.