Tarek Saleh’s Sudden Appearance Confuses Houthis

Hundreds of thousands of Yemenis hold posters and portraits of Yemen’s former President Ali Abdullah Saleh during a demonstration at Sabaeen Square, Sanaa in August 2017. (AFP)
Hundreds of thousands of Yemenis hold posters and portraits of Yemen’s former President Ali Abdullah Saleh during a demonstration at Sabaeen Square, Sanaa in August 2017. (AFP)
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Tarek Saleh’s Sudden Appearance Confuses Houthis

Hundreds of thousands of Yemenis hold posters and portraits of Yemen’s former President Ali Abdullah Saleh during a demonstration at Sabaeen Square, Sanaa in August 2017. (AFP)
Hundreds of thousands of Yemenis hold posters and portraits of Yemen’s former President Ali Abdullah Saleh during a demonstration at Sabaeen Square, Sanaa in August 2017. (AFP)

The sudden appearance of Tarek Mohammed Saleh, the nephew of late President Ali Abdullah Saleh and commander of his forces, confused on Thursday Houthi militias that sought since Saleh’s killing on December 4 to pull together his General People’s Congress (GPC) party and to “houthitize” its rhetoric and political directions.

More than a month after conflicting reports about his whereabouts, Tarek surfaced in video footage that spread on social media Thursday.

In the video, he is seen offering his condolences to the family of GPC secretary general Aref al-Zouka.

Despite difficulties in verifying the date and location of the visit, activists and supporters from the GPC said that Tarek was in the southern province of Shabwa, Zouka’s hometown.

In the video, he was seen addressing a crowd and reminding Houthis about his uncle’s vows.

Saleh’s nephew said he would remain committed to his uncle’s quest for peace in Yemen, adding that his country will not be separated from Arabism.

“We are with what the leader had willed, especially his demand to stop the war, lifting the siege from our people,” he said.

Local sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that Tarek Saleh’s convoy had arrived to the city of Ataq in the province of Shabwa accompanied by tribal sheikhs.

Houthi militias had distributed photos of Tarek Saleh and other GPC leaders to their affiliated checkpoints. The rebels consider Tarek as the most wanted figure from the GPC party.

On Thursday, there were still no details explaining how Tarek Saleh was able to escape. However, military sources said that he fled his uncle’s house with a group of his bodyguards who had attacked Houthi checkpoints near the area.

Tarek’s appearance raises several question on who should be the heir to Saleh’s political legacy and whether the former commander would avenge his uncle’s murder by the Houthis.



Israeli Army Prepares ‘Final Escalation’ in Gaza

Smoke rises after an Israeli strike on a school run by UNRWA in Jabalia, northern Gaza Strip, on Friday (AFP)
Smoke rises after an Israeli strike on a school run by UNRWA in Jabalia, northern Gaza Strip, on Friday (AFP)
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Israeli Army Prepares ‘Final Escalation’ in Gaza

Smoke rises after an Israeli strike on a school run by UNRWA in Jabalia, northern Gaza Strip, on Friday (AFP)
Smoke rises after an Israeli strike on a school run by UNRWA in Jabalia, northern Gaza Strip, on Friday (AFP)

As US President Donald Trump advances a plan to end the war in Gaza as part of a broader Middle East strategy, Israeli polls show that 61% of Israelis support halting the fighting in exchange for the release of hostages held by Hamas.

Despite this, military sources in Tel Aviv revealed that the Israeli army, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s approval, is preparing a large-scale campaign dubbed the “Final Escalation.”

The goal is to inflict maximum damage on Hamas’s remaining capabilities and prevent the group from claiming victory.

According to Yedioth Ahronoth, the army will redeploy the Fifth Division, which was previously withdrawn to confront Iran. Asked whether this escalation could complicate negotiations and harden Hamas’s stance, officials said such decisions rest with the political leadership.

Meanwhile, Hebrew media outlets reported that Trump is pressing ahead with what has been called a “grand bargain,” involving ending the war, securing hostage releases, and expanding normalization agreements with Arab states. Reports indicate Netanyahu is planning a visit to the US to meet Trump, following intense talks between Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and Trump envoy Steve Witkoff.

In a video statement, Netanyahu said: “Victory opens the chance to significantly expand peace agreements alongside the release of our hostages. This opportunity must not be missed.”

Israeli Channel 13 quoted officials describing “dramatic moves” underway in the region. American sources told Yedioth Ahronoth that efforts to reach a breakthrough in the hostage talks have gained momentum since the attack on Iran. Israeli officials said Netanyahu wants any agreement finalized at the highest levels, rather than sending delegations to Cairo or Doha.

The emerging proposal reportedly includes ending the war, returning 50 Israeli hostages, and broadening the Abraham Accords. According to Channel 12, families of the hostages have received messages from senior US officials that a comprehensive agreement is being pursued to end the conflict.

Israel Hayom reported that a four-way call took place after the US strike on Iranian facilities, involving Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Netanyahu, and Dermer. Sources described them as “extremely euphoric,” eager to advance further steps.

Although Netanyahu’s office declined to comment, his ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir warned against any negotiations on a Palestinian state, prompting Netanyahu to issue a statement denying any such discussions or the reported call.