(SeaPRwire) –
By: Douglas Vance
The Houthis’ ban on Israeli ships in the Red Sea is a supply chain nightmare. This waterway, via Bab-el Mandeb Strait, carries most Middle East oil to Asia. Their threat to target Israeli vessels could shut down this critical route.
Earlier this week, Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree announced the ban. The U.S. State Department called the actions unacceptable. Edmund Fitton-Brown, ex-UK ambassador to Yemen, warned full Houthi action could trigger U.S. and Israeli strikes on Sana’a and Hodeida. Ethiopia, 130 million strong, is a U.S. ally but also has Iran ties—Tehran gave drones during the Tigray War.
If the Houthis resume full campaigns, expect U.S. and Israeli strikes. Ethiopia’s dual alignment will shape whether regional tensions ease or spiral.
Author bio: Douglas Vance, a maritime defense scholar and naval intelligence coordinator specializing in Middle East chokepoints.