Yemen’s Houthi movement announced on Sunday that it will target any vessels operated by companies that conduct business with Israeli ports, regardless of the ships’ nationalities. This marks what the group described as the fourth phase of its military operations against Israel.

In a televised statement, the Houthis' military spokesperson warned that ships would be attacked if companies ignored their warnings, regardless of their destination.

"Yemen’s armed forces have decided to escalate their military operations in support of the Palestinian people and to launch Phase Four of the naval blockade against the adversary,” the spokesman said in a broadcast on the Houthi-controlled Al Masirah television channel.

“This phase will target all ships operated by any company that does business with Israeli ports—regardless of nationality, destination, or location—wherever they are within reach of our missiles and drones,” he added.

"The Yemeni Armed Forces call on all countries, if they want to avoid this escalation, to pressure the enemy to halt its aggression and lift the blockade on the Gaza Strip."

Since Israel's war in Gaza began in October 2023, the Iran-aligned Houthis have been attacking ships they deem linked to Israel in what they say are acts of solidarity with Palestinians.

In May, the U.S. announced a surprise deal with the Houthis where it agreed to stop a bombing campaign against them in return for an end to shipping attacks, though the Houthis said the deal did not include sparing Israel.
 

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