Yemen’s Houthi rebels have declared an aggressive new phase in their campaign against Israel, vowing to target any vessel owned by companies doing business with Israeli ports, regardless of the ships’ nationality or destination.

In a televised announcement late on July 27, Houthi military spokesman Ameen Hayyan proclaimed the initiation of the “fourth phase” of their naval blockade against Israel. This dramatic escalation marks a turning point in a maritime campaign that has already paralyzed vital shipping lanes in the Red Sea and cost several lives.

“This phase includes targeting all ships belonging to any company that deals with the ports of the Israeli enemy, regardless of the nationality of that company, and in any location within the reach of our armed forces,” Hayyan said in his statement.

The announcement further deepens regional instability, as the Iran-aligned rebel group intensifies its support for the Palestinian cause amid Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza. It also underscores the Houthis’ willingness to expand the geographic scope of their attacks, targeting ships in waters far beyond the Red Sea.

The Houthis began attacking commercial shipping in late 2023, initially claiming their strikes were symbolic acts of solidarity with Palestinians during the Israel-Hamas conflict. Since November 2023, according to Reuters, the group has attacked more than 100 ships using drones, ballistic missiles, and fast attack boats. Four ships have been sunk, one was seized, and at least eight seafarers have lost their lives.

The group’s targets have included vessels with tenuous or indirect links to Israel, often flagged under different nations but owned by companies believed to........

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