Trump Announces Ceasefire with Houthis, Shocks Israel

President Donald Trump unexpectedly announced a ceasefire with Yemen's Houthi militants, stating the U.S. would halt its bombing campaign in exchange for Houthi assurances to stop targeting American ships in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb Strait. The deal, brokered with Omani mediation, does not extend to Israeli security, as the Houthis signaled they would continue operations against Israel and recently struck near Tel Aviv, prompting Israeli airstrikes on Yemen. The announcement surprised both Israeli officials and U.S. lawmakers, who were not informed in advance and expressed skepticism about the Houthis' willingness to honor the agreement. Analysts noted that while the truce is being framed as a U.S. foreign policy win, it may only serve to limit American involvement without resolving broader regional tensions, particularly those involving Israel. The Houthis also indicated that their conflict with Israel would persist, undermining hopes for a wider de-escalation. Questions remain regarding the deal's implications for other Western allies whose ships have also been targeted in the region.