Israel pushing Washington to expand regional influence: US official

A US official told Al Jazeera that Israel is pressuring Washington to take a more active role in the Middle East, warning that if the US does not comply, Israel will act unilaterally.

The official also acknowledged an unspoken pause in hostilities between the Houthis and American forces, stating, "We are monitoring their compliance with the order."

He said that any renewed Houthi attacks would prompt a US military response, adding that President Donald Trump had granted military leaders full authority to retaliate against any perceived aggression.