Houthis Threaten to Target All Ships Belonging to Companies Conducting Commerce With Israel

Latest Developments

• Houthis Threaten Renewed Red Sea Escalation: Houthi rebels in Yemen have threatened to escalate attacks against international shipping in the Red Sea in the latest phase of the group’s effort to impose a naval blockade on Israel. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree warned that the Iran-backed group will begin targeting “all ships belonging to any company that deals with the ports of the Israeli enemy,” regardless of the company’s nationality or the vessel’s final destination. At previous points during the war in Gaza, which the Houthis joined in solidarity with their Hamas allies, the Yemen-based Iranian proxy claimed that only Israeli-owned ships or ships docking at Israeli ports were being targeted despite regularly attacking ships owned and operated by other countries as well.
• U.S. Vessels Possible Targets Despite Ceasefire: The announcement appeared to make no exception for American vessels despite the United States and the Houthis agreeing to a mutual ceasefire deal in May. Since November 2023, the Houthis have targeted more than 100 vessels using missiles and drones. In early July, the group attacked two Greek-owned, Liberian-flagged bulk carriers, Magic Seas and the Eternity C, killing four crew members and seizing 11 hostages from the latter vessel.
• Houthi Strikes on Israel Continue: The Houthis’ agreement with the Trump administration did not prevent them from continuing attacks against Israel. Since the IDF resumed military operations in Gaza on March 18, the Houthis have launched 65 ballistic missiles and at least 17 drones at Israel, most of which were intercepted or fell short. Israel has conducted multiple airstrikes against the Houthis, including twice in July, mostly targeting the Houthi-controlled ports through which the group imports weapons from Iran.

FDD Expert Response

“Israeli strikes on Houthi infrastructure have not deterred the Houthis from their illegal actions in the Red Sea. Instead, the United States needs to strike the ports, ships, and warehouses of Iran — the supplier and benefactor supporting the Houthis’ maritime strikes.” — RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery, Senior Fellow and Senior Director of FDD’s Center on Cyber and Technology

“Americans enjoy extraordinary prosperity for many reasons, including our ability to rely on unfettered maritime trade and freedom of navigation. And our unrivaled network of allies and partners helps facilitate the extraordinary security we enjoy. So, when a terrorist group backed by Iran is conducting the worst assault on commercial shipping in decades and attacking our best friend in the Middle East, Americans would be wise to realize this terrorist maritime assault is not someone else’s problem.” — Bradley Bowman, Senior Director of FDD’s Center on Military and Political Power

“While the U.S.-Houthi ceasefire in early May was intended to improve stability in the Red Sea, it is obvious that the Houthis only feel beholden to their commitments while it serves their interests and the interests of Tehran. Furthermore, the group feels emboldened after facing minimal consequences for their recent attacks on the Magic Seas and the Eternity C, which had tenuous connections to Israel. To restore security in the Red Sea, the Trump administration — along with America’s Western and Arab partners — will need to punish both the terrorists in Sanaa and the regime in Tehran.” — Bridget Toomey, Research Analyst

FDD Background and Analysis

“A Deal with the Houthis Is No Deal at All,” by Mark Dubowitz and Koby Gottleib

“Post-12-Day War, Iran Continues To Invest in the Houthis,” by Bridget Toomey and Behnam Ben Taleblu

“Israel Seeks to Build International Coalition Against Iran-backed Houthis as Attacks Increase,” FDD Flash Brief

“Houthis resume deadly Red Sea shipping attacks,” by Bridget Toomey