The Houthis have warned companies trading with Israeli ports, stating that ships of any country will be attacked if the warning is ignored.
Israel-Hamas War: The Houthi rebels in Yemen have issued a stern warning to all global companies trading with Israel. They state that ships associated with or supporting those connected to Israeli ports will be targeted. This marks the fourth phase of the Houthis' anti-Israel campaign. They claim this operation will continue until Israel's actions in Gaza cease.
Houthi Threat
The Iranian-backed Houthi rebels, active in Yemen, have once again created a dangerous situation in the Middle East. On Sunday, a Houthi spokesperson announced in a televised statement that they will now target all ships belonging to companies that trade with Israeli ports.
The Houthis have made it clear that they will spare no ship, regardless of its country of origin, if it is found to be associated with an Israeli port. This statement is part of the Houthis' strategic military campaign, which has been ongoing against Israel since October 2023. The Houthis are calling this the fourth phase of their 'anti-Israel military mission'.
Ultimatum Issued to Global Companies
In his televised statement, the Houthi spokesperson clearly stated that companies that have ignored their warnings so far should prepare for serious consequences. The spokesperson said, "If any company defies our orders and continues to trade with Israeli ports, we will directly target their ships, regardless of which country they belong to."
Houthi rebels currently control a large part of Yemen and their activity is constantly increasing in strategic areas such as the Red Sea and the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait. A large part of the world's maritime trade passes through these areas. In this situation, their threat cannot be taken lightly.
Houthis' Demand: Israel Must Stop Attacks on Gaza
The Houthi spokesperson also made it clear that their anti-Israel stance will continue until the Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip completely stop and the blockade there is lifted. They stated that the Yemeni armed forces appeal to all countries in the world to put pressure on Israel to stop the attacks on Palestinians.
US-Houthi Agreement and Ignoring Israel
In May 2025, a temporary agreement was reached between the United States and the Houthi rebels, in which it was decided that the US would stop its bombing operations against the Houthis, and in return, the Houthis would stop attacks on ships in the Red Sea. However, the Houthis made it clear in this agreement that Israel would be excluded from it.
Military Campaign Started in October 2023
Since the start of military action by Israel in Gaza, the Houthi rebels have accelerated their military operation in the name of "Palestinian solidarity". They are constantly targeting ships that they consider to be linked to Israeli interests. During this time, several commercial ships have been targeted by drone and missile attacks. Due to these attacks, many global shipping companies have changed their routes or temporarily suspended services.
