NYN | Reports and Analyses
Concerns are mounting within Israeli economic circles following the Houthis’ (Ansar Allah) announcement of moving into the fourth phase of the maritime blockade—an escalation that Hebrew-language media have described as a serious threat to Israel’s maritime trade.
The Hebrew economic outlet “Ice” reported that the latest Houthi escalation represents a real threat that could shake the foundations of Israel’s ports, stating that the closure of the Port of Eilat was only the beginning, as Sana’a seeks to deter international companies from entering any Israeli port.
In a report published by “Central Matters – Israel,” analysts warned that the new threat is not limited to cargo vessels, but also extends to maritime tourism and commercial ports. The report noted that Eilat Port, Israel’s southern gateway, is currently experiencing total paralysis, with activity dropping by over 90% and estimated monthly losses exceeding 4 million shekels, as global shipping companies are no longer willing to take the risk.
Hebrew sources predicted that the map of attacks may expand, potentially covering not only the Red Sea, but also the Persian Gulf, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Indian Ocean—deepening Israel’s maritime isolation and exposing it to an unprecedented threat not seen in decades.
The Israeli maritime and shipping outlet “Port2Port” confirmed on Tuesday that the Houthis’ (Ansar Allah) escalation aims to completely cripple Israel’s ports, including Haifa and Ashdod, and warned of expected direct attacks on these ports in the near future.
Hebrew media concluded their reports by warning that the Houthi maritime blockade threatens one of the pillars of Israel’s economy, at a time when the domestic front is already paralyzed by political deadlock and economic contraction, while the international community continues to fail in containing the threat.
