Yemen’s Houthi movement said on 27 July it has begun the fourth phase of its naval blockade against Israel, vowing to strike any vessel owned by or operating for companies that deal with Israeli ports, regardless of flag, route or destination. Military spokesman Yahya Saree, speaking in a televised address, framed the escalation as retaliation for Israel’s ongoing military campaign and siege of Gaza. Saree stated that Houthi forces will “escalate supporting operations” and expand attacks beyond earlier phases that focused mainly on Israel-flagged shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. He did not detail the timing or methods of future strikes, but the group has previously used drones and anti-ship missiles against targets it associates with Israel. The announcement follows the Houthis’ claim on 6 July that their air-defence units repelled an alleged Israeli airstrike near the Red Sea port of Hodeidah with barrages of domestically manufactured surface-to-air missiles. The moves highlight the widening confrontation between the Iran-aligned group and Israel, adding fresh risks to maritime traffic through Middle Eastern waterways.