Locations Affected: Israel, Yemen, Red Sea
On 06–07 July 2025, Israel carried out airstrikes on several sites in Yemen, including the ports of Hodeidah, Ras Isa, Salif, the Ras Qantib power plant, and the cargo vessel Galaxy Leader (Japanese-operated but linked to an Israeli businessman) which had been previously seized in 2023 and held by Houthi forces at Ras Isa.
According to Israeli sources, these actions were taken in response to:
- The launch of at least three ballistic missiles from Yemen toward Israel, including one reportedly intercepted.
- An attack on the Magic Seas, a Liberia-flagged, Greek-operated bulk carrier transiting the Red Sea. The vessel sustained damage and was abandoned by its crew, who were later rescued through a coordinated international maritime response.
The Israeli military stated that the Galaxy Leader was being used for maritime surveillance purposes. Civilian evacuation notices were reportedly issued near targeted areas before the strikes. No casualties were immediately reported.
The Red Sea Crisi and Israel-Yemen Conflict
The Houthis, an armed group based in northern and central parts of Yemen, have previously launched missiles and drones targeting Israel and commercial maritime traffic in the Red Sea since late 2023. These actions have taken place against the backdrop of the Israel–Hamas war in Gaza, and heightened regional dynamics involving groups such as the Houthis and Hezbollah.
A temporary reduction in hostilities occurred following a ceasefire agreement between the Houthis and the United States in May 2025. However, recent developments suggest renewed risks to maritime security in the region.
Israel’s strike on Yemen was the first since the ceasefire, and follows similar incidents involving regional actors and commercial vessels over the past year.
Impact of the Airstrikes
- The airstrikes mark a resumption of direct military activity between Israel and armed groups in Yemen, following a period of limited engagements.
- The attack on the Magic Seas represents the first reported maritime incident involving a commercial vessel in the Red Sea in several months, raising concerns over shipping lane security. In past phases, similar patterns of maritime targeting led to significant rerouting of global shipping and spikes in insurance premiums.
- Civilian infrastructure such as ports and power facilities were affected, including a reported power outage in Hodeidah.
- While no casualties were confirmed at the time of reporting, the incidents reflect the fragile security environment, particularly in chokepoints like the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb.
- The seizure and reported use of the Galaxy Leader as a radar platform complicates maritime domain awareness and increases the risk of ships being perceived as dual-use targets.
Outlook on the Situation
The recent incidents have raised concerns about the potential resumption of maritime security threats in the Red Sea. This may lead to increased caution among shipping operators, with some likely to continue or expand the rerouting of vessels away from the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Past incidents suggest that renewed hostilities in this region may disrupt key maritime trade routes, leading to delays, increased shipping costs, and broader impacts on global supply chains. While the broader regional context remains complex, additional involvement from international naval forces cannot be ruled out if maritime risks intensify.
Organizations are advised to stay informed and prepare necessary contingency plans.
