The Media Line: Houthi Fighters Vow To Target Haifa Port 

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Houthi Fighters Vow To Target Haifa Port 

By The Media Line Staff 

Yemen’s Houthi forces announced Monday that they intend to target the Israeli port of Haifa and enforce a naval blockade, escalating their campaign in response to Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza. In a televised statement, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree declared that “all companies with ships present in or heading to the port of Haifa should take into consideration the contents of this statement,” warning commercial vessels to stay away. 

The move follows weeks of threats by the Iran-backed group and comes despite a recent ceasefire agreement with the United States, brokered by Oman. Under that deal, the Houthis agreed to suspend attacks on ships in the Red Sea in exchange for a halt to US airstrikes. Still, the Houthis said they would continue targeting Israeli sites in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. 

In the televised statement, the group also threatened strikes on Ben Gurion Airport and other targets inside Israel. “All our measures and decisions related to the Israeli enemy will cease once the aggression on Gaza stops and the blockade is lifted,” Saree said. 

Israel’s military campaign in Gaza intensified over the weekend, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowing to “take control” of the territory. 

Since the war in Gaza began in October 2023, Houthi fighters have launched drones and missiles at Israel and targeted Red Sea shipping with alleged Israeli links. 

On Friday, Israeli airstrikes hit Houthi-controlled ports in Yemen. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant warned that Houthi leaders could meet the same fate as Hamas commanders killed in Israeli operations.