Italy, Spain, and France abstained from participating in the military actions by the U.S and UK against the Houthis. They did not endorse a joint statement issued by 10 countries that sought to justify the strikes.
This divergence highlights divisions within the Western alliance concerning the optimal approach to counter the Houthi activities in the Red Sea. The Houthis claim such activities to be a counteraction to Israel’s military operations in the Gaza Strip,
In response to the Houthi assaults on one of the world’s most crucial commercial shipping routes, U.S., and British military tools, including warplanes, ships, and submarines, executed numerous airstrikes throughout Yemen during the overnight operation.
Notably, the Netherlands, Australia, Canada, and Bahrain contributed logistical and intelligence support to the initiative, as confirmed by U.S. officials.
Germany, Denmark, New Zealand, and South Korea collaborated in endorsing a collective statement alongside the six nations, expressing support for the overnight military actions, and issuing a warning of potential measures to safeguard the unhindered flow of trade through the Red Sea, contingent upon the Houthi faction ceasing its activities.
A source within Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s office indicated that Italy chose not to sign the joint statement, consequently precluding its involvement in the military operations.However, another government source clarified that Italy had been extended an invitation to participate but opted against it for two primary reasons. Firstly, any Italian engagement would have necessitated parliamentary approval, a procedural step that would have incurred significant time. Secondly, Rome asserted a preference for adopting a diplomatic approach aimed at de-escalating tensions in the Red Sea.
A governmental communiqué released hours later asserted that “Italy endorses the operations conducted by allied nations, affirming their legitimate right to safeguard their maritime assets, with a primary focus on preserving global trade routes and facilitating humanitarian assistance.
Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a French official conveyed apprehensions within Paris, expressing concern that participation in the U.S.-led military strikes might compromise France’s diplomatic leverage in ongoing discussions aimed at de-escalating tensions between Hezbollah and Israel.
France has strategically concentrated its diplomatic efforts in recent weeks on preventing any further escalation of hostilities in Lebanon.
When queried about France’s decision not to partake in the military actions, U.S. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby declined to provide detailed insights into diplomatic discussions, emphasizing that the list of participants is publicly available.
He pointed out that many coalition partners, even those not directly involved in executing airstrikes, had pledged their support in various non-operational capacities. Indicating potential tacit support for the U.S. initiative, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement attributing responsibility for the escalation to the Houthi faction.
Nonetheless, a diplomat with insight into France’s stance conveyed that Paris contested the notion that the military strikes could be justified as legitimate self-defense.
In response, U.S. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby reiterated the United States’ confidence in the legal authorities exercised by the president to carry out the strikes, asserting that the actions were well-founded.
Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles explained that Madrid refrained from participating in the Red Sea military action to actively promote peace in the region.
She emphasized the commitment of each country to provide explanations for their actions, with Spain’s unwavering dedication to peace and dialogue.
Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto had previously expressed reservations about targeting the Houthi faction, articulating the necessity to curb their aggression without inciting a new conflict in the region, as reported by Reuters earlier in the week.
The difference in Western perspectives regarding threat became evident last month. This resulted in the launch of Europe Differs Regarding US and UK Airstrikes in Yemen resulted in the launch of Operation Prosperity Guardian by the United States and its allies to safeguard civilian vessels in the Red Sea.
Italy, Spain, and France opted not to join the mission. The stated reason is that they don’t want their assets under U.S. command.
All three nations are already engaged in a European Union anti-piracy operation. The Spanish defence minister suggested that the European Union might deliberate on a new initiative. She emphasised the EU’s potential decision for a naval mission. She clarified Spain’s sense of responsibility and commitment to peace and its approach to abstain from intervening in the Red Sea.
