Yemen’s Houthis Announce Naval Blockade on Israel’s Haifa Port

Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement has declared a maritime blockade on Israel’s Haifa port in solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing Gaza conflict. Houthi military spokesman Yehya Saree announced that ships heading to Haifa are now considered targets and that the naval blockade would be enforced until Israeli aggression in Gaza ends and the blockade on Gaza is lifted. The Houthis have also previously targeted Ben Gurion Airport with missile attacks, although their control over such targets remains limited. Israel's defense systems have intercepted most incoming rockets from the Houthis, but retaliatory strikes, including an attack on Sanaa airport in Yemen, have caused casualties and damage. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to take control of all Gaza, intensifying the conflict that has prompted the Houthis' maritime blockade declaration. The Houthis have agreed to cease attacks on U.S. vessels despite their ongoing hostilities toward Israel.