Against the backdrop of the threat by Yemen's Houthi rebels to prevent sea traffic into Israel – and even its implementation in a series of attacks on vessels, most recently overnight – the port of Ashdod expressed concern in a special statement issued by the port management on Tuesday.
"The risk of shipping lanes by the Houthis is a strategic threat to global shipping lanes in general and maritime traffic to Israel in particular, and has broad political and economic effects," the statement said. However, despite this significant threat, the port management notes that at the moment the threat does not cause economic damage to Israel in any way.
The cargo ship seized by Houthi rebels earlier this month (archive), photo: AP
In this context, the announcement notes that "the Houthi threat has no direct impact on port activity. We emphasize that we are doing everything in our power to operate fully and keep the gate open to Israel, despite the challenges of the war. We are prepared and operate routinely to absorb any operational activity of unloading and loading required."
Ashdod Port (Archive), photo: Coco
Earlier today, Al Jazeera reported that the United States is working to establish an international coalition to ensure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait near the Yemeni coast. According to the report, the Americans invited the pro-Saudi Yemeni government, which is based in Aden and is fighting the Houthis for control of the country, to join a coalition.
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