Red Sea Attack Revives Houthi Shipping Threat Off Yemen

Current July 6 Israel-time reporting says a cargo ship came under attack on July 5 about 30 nautical miles southwest of Hodeida, Yemen, near waters controlled by Iran-backed Houthis. AP, DW, CBS and Israel National News report that a skiff opened fire on the bulk carrier, private security returned fire, and the attackers withdrew to a larger vessel with its tracking system turned off; the ship and crew were reported safe, and no group immediately claimed responsibility. The incident matters to Israel because Houthi pressure on Red Sea shipping is part of Iran's post-October 7 proxy network. Jerusalem and its allies should keep Bab al-Mandab freedom of navigation under active protection.