ALBAWABA - The Israeli publication Maariv reported that the Houthi faction in the Red Sea had shut off Eilat Port. According to Eilat Port CEO Gideon Golber, ships cannot approach the port, shutting down its operations.
Due to the Red Sea War, Golber said the port has been blocked since November 2023. Therefore, port activities have moved to Ashdod and Haifa, resulting in considerable layoffs.
Golber stated that the port has lost 50 million shekels (14 million dollars) and might lose more if Israel and its allies don't stop the strikes.
After almost 10 months of Israeli onslaught on Gaza, the Houthis have fired missiles and drones against Israeli and Israel-affiliated cargo ships in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and Indian Ocean in "solidarity with Gaza."
After alerting Israel's Minister of Transportation, Eilat Port Chairman and owner Avi Hormero urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to financially assist the port. Hormero's letter to Calcalist, an Israeli business website, called the port's position "critical" owing to Houthi strikes and the Gaza conflict.
Hormero said the Bab al-Mandab strait closure has cost him and his partners a lot in maintenance and personnel wages for eight months.
Israel has relied on Eilat Port for imports and exports, especially with Asia and Africa. Being distant from Hezbollah-related geopolitical issues in Lebanon elevated its importance.
