The Iranian-backed Houthi militant group in Yemen has warned of escalating attacks on global shipping by targeting all vessels operated by companies that engage in commercial activity in Israeli ports.
Newsweek has reached out to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and Houthi officials for comment.
Why It Matters
Following a pause linked to the earlier, now-collapsed Gaza ceasefire, the Houthis have renewed their attacks in July, sinking two ships in one week.
They have targeted over 100 commercial vessels since 2023, pushing some major shipping firms to suspend routes through the Red Sea—including to Israel. The growing threat may prompt renewed Western military intervention.
Houthi Media Center/Getty Images
What To Know
A Houthi military spokesperson said the move was part of a “naval blockade” against Israel that has escalated to a new phase, adding that vessels will be targeted over business ties regardless of their nationality or destination.
On July 6, Houthi rebels sank the Greek-operated Magic Seas using drones, missiles and speedboats, The ship was transporting fertilizer and iron between China and Turkey, according to Reuters.
A day later, they hit the Eternity C, heading to the port of Eilat and several crew members were killed. Other are missing and some are feared kidnapped.
Disruption of the Red Sea trade route, which carries nearly 30 percent of global container traffic and vital oil exports, is threatening global supply chains, forcing shipping firms to reroute the long way around South Africa’s Cape of Good Hope, raising freight costs and insurance rates.
After a truce in May halted U.S. airstrikes against the Houthis, the group has launched attacks on Israel and warned global airlines against flying to Ben Gurion airport, which it has targeted several times.
According to Fatima Abo Alasrar, an analyst with the Washington Center for Yemeni Studies, the recent ship attacks were “choreographed demonstrations of a new maritime order,” which reflects the Houthis alignment with Iran’s broader proxy strategy.
“When the Iran-backed Houthi forces filmed themselves boarding the abandoned Magic Seas, planting synchronized explosives while chanting ‘death to America, death to Israel, curse the Jews,’ the propaganda value was calculated,” wrote in an analysis for the Atlantic Council this month.
A fragile ceasefire exists between Israel and Iran, which has previously said the Houthis were operating independently in response to U.S. and Israeli accusations of supporting militant groups in the region.
What People Are Saying
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree on Telegram: “The Yemeni Armed Forces warn all companies to cease their dealings with Israeli enemy ports starting from the moment this statement is announced. Otherwise, their ships, regardless of their destination, will be targeted anywhere that can be reached or within the reach of our missiles and drones.”
S&P Global published on July 9: “The Iran-backed rebel group’s latest attacks are the first in 2025 and among their worst, with initial industry reports suggesting two Greek dry bulk carriers have sunk and at least three seafarers killed.”
What Happens Next
Israel vowed to disrupt the Houthis activities and is likely to continue attacks on areas they control in Yemen, particularly the port of Hodeidah.
