Yemeni Houthis’ likely rejection of a Saudi cease-fire will pressure the United States to soften its criticism of Saudi Arabia’s campaign in Yemen to avoid more rebel advances that would worsen the country’s humanitarian situation. On March 22, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan announced a new cease-fire proposal for the Yemeni civil war. The proposal included a nationwide halt in fighting, a U.N. supervisory role, a reopening of the Sanaa airport and Hodeidah port, and a resumption of political negotiations between Houthi rebels and the internationally recognized government of President Abdrabboh Mansoor Hadi. The Houthis, however, appear poised to reject the offer. Houthi chief negotiator Mohammed Abdulsalam, speaking to Reuters, said the group expected the blockade to be lifted first, saying it should not be used as a pressure tool. After the cease-fire was announced, Saudi airstrikes also hit Houthi targets near Hodeidah and Sanaa as fighting continued...
