Yemeni Attacks Cripple Israel’s Eilat Port
Ongoing Yemeni military strikes in the Red Sea have nearly shut down operations at Israel’s strategic Eilat port. According to Israeli outlet Calcalist, threats and attacks targeting Red Sea shipping routes toward the Suez Canal have severely disrupted maritime trade.
Since November 2023, commercial vessels have avoided Eilat, causing an 80% drop in port revenue and jeopardizing hundreds of jobs.
In response, Eilat officials have appealed to the U.S. and Egypt for help, urging guarantees for safe navigation under international agreements. The port’s shutdown has raised concerns over economic security in southern Israel.
Initially framed as retaliation for Israeli strikes on Gaza, Yemen’s naval campaign has evolved into a potent tool for economic disruption. Eilat’s paralysis signals a shift in Red Sea power dynamics. As a key hub for Asian imports into occupied Palestine, its disruption strains supply chains and could impact prices and resource access. The port’s plea for help also casts doubt on the effectiveness of international maritime coalitions.
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