The leader of the Houthi rebels in Yemen, Abdul-Malik Badr al-Din al-Houthi, said that Israel's recognition of Somaliland is an "aggressive step." According to him, "This is part of a plan that extends beyond Somalia. Its declared goal is to reshape the Middle East, and our entire nation must confront it in every possible way." He added: "We will take all possible supporting measures to stand with Somalia, including considering any Israeli presence in the Somaliland area as a legitimate military target for our forces, because it constitutes aggression against Somalia and Yemen, and a threat to regional security."