What are Saudi Arabia's options to deter the Yemeni rebels?

Saudi Arabia confronts a familiar predicament in Yemen, unable to guarantee that military operations will halt Houthi aggression. Recent Houthi missile and drone strikes on Saudi targets, including airports and energy infrastructure, have intensified the dilemma. Analysts suggest that Riyadh's options are limited, primarily involving intensified air strikes, bolstering Yemeni government forces, enhancing air defenses, and pursuing diplomatic engagement.

Abdulaziz Sager, a Gulf Research Centre chairman, emphasizes the need for Saudi Arabia to apply military pressure on the Houthis to deter further attacks and limit their cross-border capabilities. The kingdom's long-standing conflict with the Houthis dates back to 2014, with Saudi intervention in 2015 to support the Yemeni government against the rebels.

While Saudi Arabia possesses substantial military resources, including advanced weaponry, defeating the Houthis militarily necessitates more than air power, involving effective ground forces, maritime capabilities, and state-building efforts. Despite Yemeni opposition forces improving their capabilities, they continue to struggle with competence and political fragmentation.

The Houthi arsenal, which includes long-range missiles and drones, poses a significant threat, as evidenced by their attacks on Israel and near Ben Gurion Airport. Current negotiations between the US and Iran to address the broader conflict, including Iranian influence on the Houthis, remain uncertain, leaving the Saudi approach to deter the Houthis contingent on diplomatic and military strategies.