Statement from We Believe in Israel: A Call to Proscribe Both the Houthis & the IRGC

In light of the recent Houthi drone attack on Tel Aviv, which resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries, We Believe in Israel calls upon the UK government to formally proscribe the Houthis and their patron,  the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) under UK law. This is not merely a matter of enhancing our legal toolkit against terrorism but a crucial step in supporting our key ally, Israel, in its ongoing fight for security and sovereignty.

The attack on Tel Aviv starkly illustrates the sophisticated nature of the Houthis' military capabilities—capabilities that are clearly beyond the reach of a militia operating independently. The substantial evidence of IRGC support and training provided to the Houthis necessitates a comprehensive strategy to disrupt this alliance. The IRGC's involvement is not a peripheral detail but a central factor that enables the Houthis to pose a significant threat to regional stability.

We must therefore consider what additional legal tools we have at our disposal. One such tool is proscription. Designating the Houthis and the IRGC as proscribed terrorist organisations would enable more comprehensive measures to disrupt their operations and financial networks, thus supporting Israel - a key ally, in its effort to defend and assert its territorial integrity. Proscription is a powerful legal instrument that could significantly impede the Houthis' ability to operate and reduce the threat they pose.

Furthermore, the UK must adapt its laws to make it possible to proscribe the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The IRGC is a key player in supporting and orchestrating terrorist activities against both our strategic interests and national security. 

The evidence is clear: the IRGC's relationship with the Houthis is a calculated strategy to project power and disrupt international stability while maintaining plausible deniability. Proscribing the Houthis and the IRGC would not only hinder these operations but also reinforce the UK’s commitment to global security and the fight against terrorism.

We urge the UK government to adopt these measures promptly. It is time to recognise and address the real source of the threat, ensuring that our actions are as robust as the challenges we face.

#WeBelieveInIsrael