American Institute: Houthis Successfully Impose Economic Sanctions Through Selective Attacks on Ships Linked to Israel and the United States

NYN | Reports and analyses

The American Baker Institute for Public Policy reported that the Houthis have successfully implemented a new form of concentrated economic sanctions through selective attacks on ships linked to Israel and the United States. These attacks have forced the affected ships to alter their routes and increased their insurance premiums, gaining significant public support in the process.

In a report published by the institute, which is affiliated with Rice University in Texas, it was confirmed that “the Houthi campaign against these ships has led to the selective disruption of vessels and cargo associated with Israel and its allies, while allowing non-affiliated carriers to pass unimpeded.” The report described these attacks as a new and focused form of economic sanctions.

The report pointed out that “the international response to the attacks has not succeeded in stopping them, and they may continue until a ceasefire is reached in Gaza,” referencing the military efforts by the United States, Britain, and Europe to halt the Houthi attacks in support of the Palestinian resistance.

It further explained that “many ships, especially those belonging to Israel, the United States, and Western Europe, have rerouted their journeys to the Cape of Good Hope, adding two weeks to travel time and increasing fuel costs.”

Insurance premiums for ships associated with Israel have risen by up to 250%, in addition to the increase in crew costs and shipping prices, as vessels passing through the region rely on specialized insurance contracts that include war clauses, according to the report.

Regarding potential solutions, the report suggested that “a ceasefire in Gaza might contribute to halting Houthi and Hezbollah attacks, although some analysts are skeptical of this outcome. It is unlikely that the Houthis and their supporters would continue to back attacks on ships after a ceasefire is reached.”

The report also noted that “the Houthi campaign against shipping has bolstered the group’s image as an anti-Israel force, ready to act in response to Israel’s disproportionate strikes on Gaza.”

It highlighted that “support for Gaza and defiance against the West have increased the Houthis’ popularity both locally and internationally, as they are increasingly viewed as the legitimate leaders of Yemen. The Houthi naval campaign has been further strengthened by the group’s clever and successful use of social media, including short, catchy music videos and songs supporting the Palestinian cause, which have gained widespread traction in the Arab world and beyond, serving as a source of soft power for the Houthis.”

The report concluded that “the United States and its allies may be cautious about directly attacking the Houthis at this stage, as such actions could further legitimize and popularize the movement.”