Israel calls for ‘international coalition’ against Yemen rebels amid attacks on ships

JERUSALEM

Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Wednesday called for forming an international coalition against Houthi rebels in Yemen.

“The Houthis have crossed a red line in the Red Sea,” Herzog said on social media platform X.

“The US-led international activities against the Houthi terror-pirates must be bolstered and strengthened, in the form of a truly international coalition,” he added.

“Under the direction of their totalitarian commanders in Tehran, the Houthis’ continued acts of terrorism and piracy against ships of all nationalities and ownerships requires the entire international community to act, united, forcefully, and decisively to stamp out this vile threat to the global economy and trade,” the Israeli president said.

​​​​​​​Israel threatened on Tuesday to use force in dealing with Houthi rebels amid threats against ships sailing to Israeli ports.

The threat was made after Houthis claimed responsibility for attacking a Norwegian-flagged oil tanker off Yemen as it sailed to Israel.

Last week, the Pentagon said that the US was holding talks with its allies to establish a maritime task force to protect ships in the Red Sea.

Tension escalated between Houthi rebels in Yemen and Israel amid an Israeli military offensive on the Gaza Strip, which killed at least 18,608 and injured over 50,594 others.

*Writing by Mohammad Sio