Yemeni Pro-Palestinian Activities Reportedly Bring Eilat Port to Near Standstill
Reports from Israeli media indicate that the revenue at the port of Eilat, located at the southernmost point of the occupied territories, has plummeted to "nearly zero." This decline is attributed to actions by Yemeni pro-Palestinian groups, which have been causing disruptions in the Red Sea shipping lanes.
On Monday, the Israeli newspaper Yediot Ahronoth highlighted that operations at the port have been significantly disrupted, describing it as “almost completely paralyzed.” Dockworkers continue to report for duty each day, only to find empty berths, as commercial ships have not been able to dock.
The report indicated that the port’s annual revenues, which once amounted to approximately $74 million, have now plummeted to nearly zero.
The operational crisis originated in November 2023, when the Yemeni Armed Forces intercepted a vessel en route to the port.
The seizure was a result of coordinated efforts by servicemen and Yemen’s Ansarullah movement, aimed at supporting Palestinians in the Gaza Strip amidst what has been described as a genocidal conflict instigated by the Israeli regime.
A drone strike, reportedly launched by Yemeni forces, has successfully targeted an airport in Eilat, Israel, according to recent reports. The incident marks a significant event in the ongoing regional tensions.
Shipping traffic has yet to rebound following a series of attacks aimed at Israeli ships and vessels traveling to or from ports in the occupied territories, as reported by various outlets.
The disruption represented a significant turnaround for the port, which previously managed substantial volumes of cargo.
Prior to the disruptions, Eilat was witnessing considerable growth. Reports indicate that in October 2024, the port managed approximately 150,000 vehicles. During that period, Israeli authorities contemplated enhancing its function to assist Mediterranean ports, including Haifa and Ashdod, which were under threat from retaliatory rocket attacks launched by Gaza’s Hamas resistance movement.
According to reports, Yemen’s involvement in backing the Palestinian cause has significantly altered the situation, leading to a cessation of activities in Eilat.
Batya Zafarani, vice president of finance at the port, informed Yediot Ahronoth that the circumstances rapidly declined following the November 19, 2023, seizure of the vessel that was headed for the port.
Zafarani reported that two firms, NYK and ZIM, that collaborate with their operations have ceased sending vessels to the location. Initially, they believed the situation would stabilize and anticipated assistance from the governing regime.
Port officials have consistently urged the regime to step in; however, they report that no substantial support has been forthcoming.
In July 2025, Eilat’s Chief Executive Officer, Gideon Golber, cautioned in remarks to The Times of Israel that the shutdown of the port would signify an unparalleled setback.
Golber stated at the time that the shutdown of a strategic seaport would represent a significant international triumph for the Houthis, known as Ansarallah, surpassing any accomplishment achieved by their adversaries.
On Monday, Avi Hormaru, who serves as both the chairman of the port and CEO of the Nakash Group, stated that the regime had relinquished control of the port. He further mentioned that those responsible for the retaliatory strikes are now contemplating whether Tel Aviv will be allowed to manage port operations.
He stated, “We don’t control the Red Sea,” highlighting the impact of solidarity strikes that have forced ships aiming to access the territories to take a costly detour around southern Africa, significantly affecting the regime’s economy.
