Ashdod Port: Houthi Attacks Pose a Direct Threat to Israeli Maritime Traffic

The Israeli Ashdod port stated today, Tuesday, that "the attacks carried out by the Houthis in Yemen on commercial vessels represent a strategic threat to global shipping routes and maritime transport to Israel, despite having no direct impact on port operations." Earlier today, the Houthis announced that they "conducted a military operation against a Norwegian commercial tanker as part of their support for Gaza, which is under Israeli attack. Such operations reflect the risks associated with the conflict." The port added in a statement: "We affirm that we are doing our utmost to keep the routes open to Israel despite the challenges of war." Israel relies on maritime traffic for its imports and exports. Ashdod port in the south and Haifa port in the north are the two largest ports in Israel. It is noteworthy that the smaller Ashkelon port, which is closer to Gaza, is currently closed due to the war.