Foreign Report: Ansar Allah’s position on the Palestinian cause is “Steadfast,” and designating it as a terrorist organization will change nothing

The US Institute of Peace (USIP) affirmed that the decision of the administration of US President Donald Trump to designate the Ansar Allah movement as a Foreign Terrorist Organization will not lead to a change in its goals, noting that the benefits of this decision remain unclear amid uncertainty about its expected impact and the potential negative repercussions of attempting to implement it.

Exclusive – Al-Khabar Al-Yemeni:

In a recently published report, the institute addressed the dimensions of this designation, asking whether the designation is part of a broader strategy that includes military and political pressure tools and whether Washington will provide greater military support to the Presidential Council government loyal to the coalition, given the desire of its Gulf allies, especially Saudi Arabia, to avoid a new escalation of the war in Yemen.

Ansar Allah’s Position on Israel and the Impact of Designation on Their Movements:

The report highlighted Ansar Allah’s positions on the Palestinian issue, confirming that their position on Israel is “ideological and steadfast,” as they see it as an occupying entity that must be defeated and the lands returned to the Palestinians.

It indicated that this vision enjoys wide support in Yemen, which makes the group’s readiness to confront Israel militarily a factor that increases its popularity domestically.

The institute considered that “it is unlikely that the terrorist designation or any other political measures will change Ansar Allah’s strategic objectives regarding Palestine.”

It also pointed out that the decision will not deter the movement from resuming its attacks in the Red Sea, stressing that Ansar Allah had stopped their attacks since the ceasefire in Gaza began on January 19, but they had pledged to resume them if the truce was violated.

The report states explicitly that “given Ansar Allah’s publicly stated positions, it is difficult to imagine them remaining neutral if there is a renewed military escalation in Gaza.”

Potential Economic and Humanitarian Repercussions:

The institute believed that the impact of the designation on the course of the conflict in Yemen remains uncertain, noting that Ansar Allah leaders do not travel much and do not have international bank accounts, which makes the impact of the travel ban and asset freezing on them limited.

However, the decision could create broader economic pressure, as it will limit the Yemeni people’s ability to access international financing, making it more difficult to import essential commodities such as food, fuel, and household goods.

The report warned that “the Yemeni people will be the most affected by this decision, as 80% of the population, or about 24.1 million people, already need humanitarian assistance,” noting that the full impact of the designation on the areas controlled by Ansar Allah as well as on the economy in the areas under the presidential government loyal to the coalition will depend on the implementation mechanisms.

Obstruction of Political Settlement Efforts and Increased Military Pressure:

The report warned that the US decision complicates the implementation of the UN-supported roadmap in Yemen, considering that the designation makes its application “almost impossible.”

It mentioned that the government loyal to the coalition welcomed the move, hoping that it would be a prelude to a US support package that includes financial and military pressure on Ansar Allah, but it is unclear whether Washington will take additional steps in this direction.

The institute warned that any new military escalation between the coalition government and the Sana’a forces could give Ansar Allah more influence, especially if they manage to control Marib, whose oil and gas resources provide them with significant strategic support.

The report indicated that the military pressure on Marib will put Saudi Arabia in a difficult position, as the city depends on the Saudi air cover to maintain the balance of power. If Riyadh reduces its support, Marib will become exposed, but if it continues its support, Ansar Allah will find a justification to direct their operations again towards the north, at a time when the Kingdom is seeking to de-escalate the conflict.

Unclear Impact and Long-Term Repercussions:

Overall, the report concluded that the designation of Ansar Allah as a terrorist organization will undoubtedly lead to changes in the Yemeni landscape, but it leaves many questions open about the beneficiaries and losers of this step in the long term, given the intertwining factors influencing the course of the conflict.