Houthi rebels threaten escalated naval attacks on vessels linked to Israel

In Yemen, the Houthi rebels have issued warnings to escalate attacks on merchant vessels they associate with Israel. This announcement, made on July 27, 2025, marks the beginning of what the Houthis refer to as the fourth phase of their military campaign against Israel. They state that any company linked to Israeli ports, irrespective of the company’s nationality, could become a target. Shipping disruptions in the Red Sea are increasingly concerning, as this vital waterway handles approximately one trillion dollars in goods annually. The escalation follows previous assaults carried out by the Houthis, including strikes in early July 2025, where two Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned cargo ships, the Magic Seas and the Eternity C, were attacked. The Eternity C sank in the encounter, resulting in the deaths of four crew members while eleven others were taken hostage. In the past two years, the Houthis have conducted extensive operations against merchant shipping, successfully targeting over 100 vessels with missiles and drones. The recent announcement represents a renewed commitment by the Houthis to their military objectives. Amidst ongoing conflicts in the region, the Houthis are leveraging their military capabilities to gain international attention regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict, specifically urging global pressure on Israel to cease hostilities in Gaza. The ultimatum suggests that international intervention might prevent further escalation of their military campaign. Past incidents show a pattern of aggression that has already resulted in the loss of lives and disruption of commerce in one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. In May 2025, an agreement was reached between the Trump administration and the Houthis to halt airstrikes in exchange for the rebels agreeing to stop attacks on merchant ships. However, the Houthis maintain that the cessation of hostilities does not include vessels suspected of engaging in business with Israeli interests. This position underscores the complex relations and heightened tensions in the region as the Houthis push their agenda amidst international scrutiny and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.