Jerusalem was reportedly blindsided by President Donald Trump’s unexpected statement regarding a ceasefire agreement with Yemen’s Houthi rebels. An Israeli official described the development as “very bad news for Israel,” adding that in the context of ongoing nuclear negotiations, the deal appears particularly concerning.
On the evening of May 6, a representative from the Omani Foreign Ministry announced that a ceasefire agreement had been reached following trilateral talks involving the United States, Yemen, and Oman. Shortly afterward, President Trump confirmed the report, stating that the Houthis “no longer wish to fight” and that the United States “respects that decision.” He further declared that American airstrikes would cease.
According to Israel Hayom, the Israeli government is now awaiting clarifications from Washington regarding the nature and terms of the agreement. The surprise announcement comes at a time of heightened regional tension and increased Iranian involvement in Yemen.
Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, a senior leader of the Houthi movement, commented that “Yemen’s operations were and remain an expression of solidarity with Gaza, aimed at ending aggression and ensuring humanitarian aid delivery.” He emphasized that recent attacks on American naval vessels were “a response to aggression and attempts to halt Yemen’s support for Gaza.”
Israeli intelligence estimates suggest that the Houthis still possess at least several dozen missiles, underscoring the ongoing threat despite the reported truce.
