Israeli officials are increasingly concerned that Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen could open a new front by blocking the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a vital global shipping route, in response to the U.S. blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

While international attention remains fixed on developments around Hormuz, Israeli defense and diplomatic circles are closely monitoring the southern maritime corridor. According to a report aired Tuesday evening on Kan News, Jerusalem fears the Houthis may act on Iran’s behalf and disrupt traffic through Bab el-Mandeb, a chokepoint linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean.

Such a move would effectively serve as a “price tag” imposed by Iran’s Yemeni proxy, potentially in retaliation for American actions in the Gulf.

The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is a critical artery for global commerce, particularly for vessels traveling to and from the Suez Canal. Any disruption there could have far-reaching economic and strategic consequences.

In response to the growing concern, Israeli officials are maintaining ongoing coordination with a wide range of countries, including regional partners, the United States, and nations in Europe and Africa. The goal, officials say, is to ensure that the Houthis do not move to interfere with freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and surrounding waters.

Until now, the Houthis have largely refrained from playing a major role in the broader confrontation tied to Iran. They entered the fray only after roughly a month, launching five ballistic missiles and ten drones toward Israel.

{Matzav.com}