The Yemeni Ansarullah movement, aligned with the Houthi forces, has claimed that its maritime actions pose a risk primarily to ships connected to Israel or Israeli interests. This position was reported by the television network Al-Masirah, which serves as a channel for official updates from Houthi leadership. In their statement, the group clarified that its operations target ships that are connected to Israel or owned by Israeli entities, while avoiding unnecessary harm to other vessels at sea.
The representative, Yahya Saria, asserted that the focus of these actions is on ships associated with Israel’s adversaries and on those directly linked to Israeli ownership. He urged governments and crews from all nations whose citizens operate in the Red Sea to avoid any business dealings or activities involving ships tied to Israel, emphasizing a precautionary stance intended to minimize broader regional disruption.
Saria also defended a position against accusations that the Ansarullah movement is compromising freedom of navigation on international routes. He argued that the measures are a response to specific threats and that the movement seeks to deter actions that could jeopardize regional stability and maritime safety, rather than hinder legitimate maritime commerce indiscriminately.
Reportedly, on 19 November, the Yemeni Houthi movement intercepted the Israeli cargo vessel Galaxy Leader in the Gulf of Aden. The group indicated that it would extend its reach to all civilian ships bearing the Israeli flag within firing range, asserting a readiness to confront vessels seen as part of Israeli economic and political interests. This development has been framed by Houthi sources as a strategic warning intended to underscore their broader objectives in the maritime domain.
There have been statements suggesting that the conflict in the broader Middle East continues to influence regional dynamics, including assessments from stakeholders in the United States about prospects for the dispute. These remarks reflect ongoing debate about the trajectory of regional security and the balance between navigation rights and maritime security in a tense environment.