🚨
BREAKING: Yemen’s South Eyes Independence & Potential Israel Relations
Southern Yemen Declares Independence Path
Al Zubaidi: Abraham Accords Key to Regional Stability
📅September 24, 2025
🇾🇪 New York / Yemen
📰 Mohamad Ali Harisi
Key Developments
Southern Transitional Council leader declares readiness for independence
Al Zubaidi signals potential Abraham Accords membership
South controls territory, army, and police – awaiting international recognition
Peace process with Houthis described as “frozen” after Gaza conflict
Economic crisis deepens with 70% budget dependent on disrupted oil exports
Before the events in Gaza, we were advancing towards joining the Abraham Accords. If Gaza and Palestine regain their rights, the Accords will be essential for stability in the region. When we have our southern state, we will make our own decisions and I believe we will be part of these accords.
— Aidarous Al Zubaidi, Deputy Chairman of Yemen’s Presidential Council
🗺️ Yemen’s Divided Control
Current territorial situation reflects historical North-South division (1967-1990)
🏴Houthi-Controlled North
Capital: Sanaa
Status: Rebel-held territory
Activities: Regular missile attacks on Israel, designated terrorist group
Weakened
Position after Gaza conflict
🏛️Southern Transitional Council
Capital: Aden (interim)
Status: Internationally recognized government
Control: Land, army, police forces
3/8
Presidential Council seats
⚡Border Challenges
Issues: Long coastline security
Threats: Extremist cells, smuggling
Support: Saudi Arabia & UAE assistance
70%
Budget from disrupted oil
🕐 Historical Context & Recent Developments
1967-1990
Yemen divided: North Yemen and socialist People’s Democratic Republic of Yemen in the south
1990
Yemeni unification creates single state
2014-Present
Houthi rebellion leads to ongoing civil war and humanitarian crisis
Pre-Gaza War
Southern Transitional Council advancing toward Abraham Accords membership
October 2023
Gaza conflict begins, Houthis launch attacks on Israel, peace process stalls
September 2025
Al Zubaidi declares readiness for independence at UN General Assembly
🌍Regional Impact
Southern independence could reshape Middle East dynamics and isolate Houthis in the north.
Strategic Implications:
Potential Abraham Accords expansion
Isolation of Iran-backed Houthis
New Israel-Arab cooperation framework
Saudi-UAE strategic partnership strengthened
“We support the two-state solution – a Yemeni state in the north and in the south – and a Palestinian state alongside Israel. Self-determination is a right.”
— Al Zubaidi
🤝Diplomatic Challenges
International recognition required for independence; peace process currently “frozen.”
Key Diplomatic Hurdles:
UN Security Council recognition
Arab League consensus building
International law compliance
Houthi terrorist designation impact
Al Zubaidi noted: “The main challenge is asking our partners to approve our right of self-determination and begin the transition phase.”
💰Economic Crisis
Oil revenue collapse threatens government operations; Saudi-UAE support crucial for survival.
Current Economic Reality:
70% of budget depends on oil exports
Houthi attacks on export facilities
Saudi Arabia and UAE financial lifeline
Humanitarian crisis deepening
“Without their help, everything would have collapsed” – Al Zubaidi on Gulf support
The south is liberated and we are protecting our borders. Politically and geopolitically, we are ready. We only need to announce independence and for others to recognize us.
— Aidarous Al Zubaidi on Southern Yemen’s readiness for statehood
📰 Complete Coverage
This report is based on an exclusive interview conducted during the UN General Assembly in New York, covering Yemen’s complex political situation and regional implications.