The Houthi movement, officially known as Ansar Allah (Supporters of God), has become a major force in the Middle East, controlling significant parts of Yemen and influencing global maritime security in the Red Sea. To comprehend their actions and motivations, it is essential to understand their core ideology, particularly their deeply entrenched perception of Israel and the United States. This worldview is most starkly captured in the slogan that serves as the movement’s central, unwavering charter.
The Slogan at the Core of Houthi Ideology
At the heart of the Houthi movement’s identity is a powerful slogan, often seen on banners and chanted at rallies. This phrase, known as “the sarkha” or “the scream,” explicitly lays out their foundational beliefs:
“God is the Greatest, Death to America, Death to Israel, A Curse Upon the Jews, Victory to Islam.”
This is not merely political rhetoric; it is a declaration of their core principles and a lens through which they view the world. For the Houthis, this chant encapsulates their struggle against what they see as forces of global arrogance and oppression, led by the United States and Israel.
The “Great Satan”: Perception of the United States
In Houthi ideology, the United States is cast as the “Great Satan”—an imperialist power responsible for instability, corruption, and interference across the Muslim world. They believe U.S. foreign policy is designed to dominate the Middle East, exploit its resources, and support regimes hostile to their movement, such as Saudi Arabia and the government of Israel. This perception fuels their justification for targeting American assets and interests, framing such actions as acts of self-defense and resistance against a global superpower they hold in contempt.
The “Zionist Entity”: Stance on Israel
Similarly, the Houthis view Israel as an illegitimate “Zionist entity” and a key instrument of American power in the region. Their opposition to Israel is absolute and is intertwined with their strong pro-Palestinian stance. They see the existence of Israel as a primary injustice against the Arab and Muslim world. Consequently, any nation that normalizes relations with Israel is viewed as a traitor to the cause. This belief underpins their solidarity with groups like Hamas and Hezbollah and explains their willingness to directly engage in actions against Israel, such as launching missiles and drones, framing it as a religious and political duty.
In conclusion, the Houthi movement’s perception of the United States and Israel is not a recent development but a foundational element of their identity. Driven by the clear-cut, confrontational worldview expressed in their slogan, their actions are guided by a belief that they are engaged in a righteous struggle against oppressive global powers. Understanding this is critical to analyzing their role in the ongoing conflicts of the Middle East.
