The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss private diplomatic talks, said Israel was irked by the unexpected news, particularly because the Houthis have continued to launch attacks on Israel and other Israeli targets.
Israel does not appear to be covered by the U.S.-Houthi agreement.
Appearing before reporters later Tuesday, this time for the swearing-in of senior adviser and special envoy Steve Witkoff, Mr. Trump was asked about the possibility that the Houthis would continue to attack Israel. He responded, “I don’t know about that, frankly.”
“But I know one thing, they want nothing to do with us,” Mr. Trump said. “And they’ve let that be known through all of their surrogates and very strongly.”