On June 8, 2026, Yemen's Houthi rebels announced a complete ban on the transit of Israeli ships or ships associated with Israel in the Red Sea, stating such vessels would be considered military targets. The announcement was made via a statement from the group's armed forces, as reported by Reuters.
The Houthis, who control large parts of Yemen including the capital Sanaa, have been engaged in a conflict with a Saudi-led coalition since 2014. This new measure escalates their campaign against Israel amid the ongoing Gaza war, which began after Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023.
According to the Houthi statement, the ban applies to all ships owned or operated by Israeli entities, as well as those heading to Israeli ports. The group warned that any violations would result in military action, though specific details on enforcement were not provided.
The Red Sea is a critical waterway for global trade, and this ban could disrupt shipping routes. International maritime authorities have expressed concern, but no immediate response from Israel or other nations has been reported as of this date.
