Houthis Resume Attacks on Israeli Shipping
Executive Summary
The Houthi-controlled Yemeni Armed Forces have announced the immediate resumption of attacks on Israeli-linked vessels in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, Bab al-Mandab, and the Gulf of Aden, citing Israel’s refusal to reopen crossings and allow aid into Gaza. This marks a new phase in the ongoing maritime conflict, which has already disrupted global trade and triggered military responses from Western nations. The announcement comes as U.S. forces reportedly struck Houthi radar and weapons storage facilities in Yemen, signaling a potential escalation of hostilities.
Analysis
The Houthis’ decision to resume targeting Israeli-linked vessels represents a significant escalation in the group’s maritime campaign, which has evolved over multiple phases since the outbreak of the Israel-Gaza war in 2023. Initially targeting Israeli ships, the campaign expanded to include U.S. and U.K. vessels and companies linked to Israeli ports. This latest move suggests the Houthis are doubling down on their blockade strategy, despite repeated U.S. and British military strikes aimed at curbing their capabilities.
The maritime crisis has forced major shipping companies to divert vessels around Africa, increasing costs and delaying global supply chains. While the presence of U.S. and European naval coalitions has mitigated some threats, these efforts have not deterred Houthi operations. The continuation of these attacks could further strain diplomatic relations between Iran, which backs the Houthis, and the incoming Trump administration, which has signaled a more aggressive stance toward Iran and its regional proxies.
This escalation also risks drawing Israel deeper into the conflict. The Israeli Air Force has reportedly raised its alert level over concerns about potential missile and drone attacks from Yemen. Any direct confrontation between Israel and the Houthis could further destabilize the region, potentially leading to broader hostilities involving Hezbollah in Lebanon and Iranian-backed militias in Syria and Iraq.
The effectiveness of Western military action in countering the Houthis remains in question. Despite multiple airstrikes on Houthi weapons storage sites and radar facilities, the group’s ability to launch attacks has not been significantly diminished. If the new U.S. administration pursues a harder line against Iran, retaliatory strikes against Western and Israeli-linked vessels may expand beyond the Red Sea to the Arabian Sea and even the central Indian Ocean.
