Israeli Official Warns Houthi Control of Bab al-Mandab Strait Worse Than Hormuz

An Israeli official has expressed grave concern over the Houthi takeover of Yemen's Bab al-Mandab Strait, warning it poses a greater threat than the Strait of Hormuz. The official told N12 News that the Houthis could now "fire anti-tank missiles at anything they want" at ships, and "see the ships with their own eyes" due to the strait's narrowness. This proximity, he stated, allows for direct visual targeting, unlike the more complex radar systems potentially needed at Hormuz.

The Houthis have reportedly completed their seizure of the strategic waterway, which connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, after capturing Perim Island and advancing to the coastal city of Dhuabab. This expansion follows their recent capture of the port city of Al Mocha, a stronghold of opposing forces. The rapid southern advance gives the Houthis significant control over this vital maritime chokepoint.

The Bab al-Mandab Strait is critical for global trade, handling approximately 20% of the world's container traffic en route to the Suez Canal, a key link in the Asia-Europe supply chain. Additionally, about six million barrels of oil, primarily from Saudi Arabia, pass through the strait daily. The official also warned that the Houthis could deploy "suicide boats" or directly seize vessels, describing the situation as a "huge drama" that grants "immense power" to the militant group.