Maritime security and industry groups have raised the risk level for ships visiting Israeli ports due to potential missile strikes from Hezbollah in the Mediterranean and the Houthis from Yemen in the Red Sea. Earlier this week, Israel’s port authority announced that operations at various terminals, including Eilat and Haifa, were functioning normally. However, sirens went off in Haifa for the first time in months after Hezbollah launched missiles, and a drone attack on Eilat port was reported.
British maritime security company Ambrey released an advisory stating that the risk to vessels at Israeli ports is now “elevated.” They noted that further Israeli military actions could lead to direct attacks on Haifa port. The Houthis, who claim to support the Palestinians, have conducted over 70 attacks, sinking two vessels and killing at least three seafarers.
Shipping and insurance sources warned that vessels heading to Israeli ports also face threats from the Houthis in open waters of the Red Sea. Major shipping associations advised operators that have visited or plan to visit Israeli ports to restrict information access to avoid being targeted by Houthi forces, emphasizing the need to consider the potential for future attacks.
