US Allies Reluctant to Join Red Sea Task Force

US President Joe Biden had hoped to launch a strong international response to Yemen's Houthi group attacks on shipping in the Red Sea by launching a new naval force, but a week after it was launched, many allies are publicly reluctant to engage with it. Or in any way.

Two of America's European allies listed as contributing to Operation Prosperity Guardian — Italy and Spain — have issued statements that appear to distance themselves from the naval force.

The Pentagon says it's a defense alliance of more than 20 nations to ensure the free flow of billions of dollars worth of trade through a key shipping chokepoint in the Red Sea off Yemen.

But to date, nearly half of these countries have not recognized their contribution or allowed the United States to do so. These contributions could range from sending warships to sending an officer.

The reluctance of some U.S. allies to join the effort reflects the divisions created by the conflict in Gaza, which has caused Biden to maintain staunch support for Israel even as international criticism of the attack, which according to Gaza's health ministry, has killed more than 21,000 Palestinians.

“European governments are very concerned about the possibility that part of their potential voters will turn against them,” said David Hernandez, professor of international relations at the Complutense University of Madrid. drawn into a confrontation.

The Iran-backed Houthis have attacked or captured a dozen ships with missiles and drones since November 19, seeking to impose an international cost on Israel's campaign, following an Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel by Hamas militants. and 240 hostages.

The US, UK and French navies shot down drones or missiles launched by the Houthis.

A person familiar with the Biden administration's thinking said the U.S. believes the escalation of Houthi attacks requires an international response separate from the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

The Red Sea is the entry point for ships using the Suez Canal, which handles about 12% of world trade and is critical to the movement of goods between Asia and Europe. Houthi attacks have diverted some ships to the Cape of Good Hope in Africa, significantly increasing navigation times and costs.

Danish container company Maersk said on Saturday that it will resume shipping operations in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. But Germany's Habach Lloyd said on Wednesday that the Red Sea was too dangerous and would continue to send ships around the Cape of Good Hope.

Although the US claims 20 countries have signed up to its Maritime Task Force, it has only announced the names of 12 countries.

“We'll let other countries talk about participation,” U.S. Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder told reporters last week.

The EU signaled its support for the Maritime Task Force with a joint statement condemning Houthi attacks.

While the United Kingdom, Greece and other countries publicly accepted the US action, many named in the US announcement were quick to say they were not directly involved.

Italy's defense ministry said it was sending a ship to the Red Sea following requests from Italian shipowners and not as part of the US operation. France said it supported efforts to guarantee freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, but its ships would remain under French command.

It also opposes the use of the existing EU anti-piracy mission Atlanta to protect shipping in the Red Sea. But on Wednesday, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said he was willing to consider creating a separate task force to deal with the problem.

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have previously announced that they are not interested in the initiative.

Public outrage over the Israeli assault on Gaza helps explain some of the reluctance of political leaders. A recent Yougov poll found that most Western Europeans, particularly those from Spain and Italy, think Israel should end military operations in Gaza.

There is also a risk that participating countries will be retaliated by the Houthi group. A person familiar with U.S. government thinking said it was not disagreements over Gaza — the risk that would push some countries back from the effort.

According to a senior Indian Army officer, India is unlikely to participate in the US operation. According to an Indian government official, the government fears that it could be targeted if it aligns with the US.

(Reporting by Bill Stewart, Trevor Hunnicutt and Andrea Shalal in Washington; Jonathan Sall in London; Aislinn Laing, Belen Carreno and Charlie Devereux in Madrid; Angelo Amante in Italy; Krishnan Kaushik in New Delhi)