Since Israel launched its war on Gaza in October 2023, the Houthis have carried out several attacks on shipping lanes in the Red Sea, saying they were acting in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Israel has responded with repeated strikes on Houthi targets, particularly in Hodeidah, a key entry point for goods and aid into Yemen.

The port of Eilat, already diminished, could shut down entirely without government assistance in what would be a win for the Houthis, officials warn.

Israel has again attacked targets belonging to the Houthi militia in Yemen, the military announced on Monday. Israel's army targeted "struck and dismantled military infrastructure belonging to the Houthi terrorist regime" in the port of Hodeida in the west of the embattled country and other areas,