Thousands of Yemenis crowded the capital Sanaa Friday to express their support for the Iran-backed Huthi rebels, who say they will maintain pressure on Israel despite the imminent Gaza ceasefire.

The Middle East Forum, a conservative nonprofit focused on Islamic issues, has described Al-Husainy as “a radical anti-Semitic, pro-Hezbollah Shia imam” with “a significant history of

Israel and its allies have escalated strikes against the Houthis, trying to force the Iran-backed group to stop firing on Israel and Red Sea shipping.

Analysis: Yemen is an escalating frontline in Israel's proxy war with Iran, but Tel Aviv may struggle to achieve a military triumph against the Houthis.

The U.S. on Friday imposed sanctions on a Yemen-based financial institution that Washington accused of financially supporting the Houthis, as President Joe Biden's administration sought to further pressure the militant group before Biden leaves office.

Husainy, a Muslim cleric from Michigan, was reportedly tapped to deliver a benediction at President-elect Trump's inauguration after a series of controversial remarks.

The Israeli Defense Forces said it recorded 32 drones launched from Yemen. Over 100 drones were shot down by the Israeli air defense system, fighter jets.

When Iran carried out its first direct bombardment of missiles and drones toward Israel in April, the IAF deployed its Adir fleet to help thwart the attack. Israel’s F-35s have played an equally significant role in the IDF’s offensive and defensive operations targeting Hezbollah and the Yemen-based Houthis.

Yemen's Houthi militia has praised the "resistance" of Palestinians against Israel following the agreement on a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the militia-controlled Saba news agency reported citing a Houthi spokesman.

Enabled by Western assistance, largely through arms sales and security advice, Israel’s military operations across Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen have drawn worldwide condemnation for their adverse humanitarian impact and extensive destruction.

This will pause the fighting after 15 months of war and see the release of dozens of hostages held by the militants in the Gaza Strip and hundreds of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.