Houthi victory: Eilat Port permanently shut after blockade, attacks

Israel’s southernmost port will shut down amid mounting debts and a crippling naval blockade by the Houthi terror group.

By World Israel News Staff

The Port of Eilat will permanently shut down next Sunday, July 20th, after its once-bustling operations dwindled to nearly zero due to repeated Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.

Following the October 7th Hamas massacres and the ensuing war, the Yemen-based Houthis declared a naval blockade on vessels bound for Israel or linked to the Jewish State, the United States, or the United Kingdom.

Over the past 21 months of fighting, the Houthis have repeatedly launched drone and missile attacks on ships headed to the Port of Eilat, as well as on the port itself.

As activity at the port came to a standstill, it accumulated significant municipal tax debts that it was unable to repay.

“Due to the shutdown of the Port of Eilat and its deteriorating financial situation amid the ongoing crisis, the Eilat Municipality has notified port management of the seizure of all bank accounts over unpaid debts. As a result, the Shipping and Ports Authority announced that the port will cease all operations starting this Sunday,” read a statement from the National Emergency Authority, obtained by Hebrew-language outlet Globes.

The closure will deal a blow to the Israel Navy, which has utilized the site since the war began.

It will also negatively affect the Europe Asia Pipeline Company (EAPC) and disrupt exports of mineral products refined by ICL’s Dead Sea Works.

Moshe Ben Zaken, Director General of the Transportation Ministry, told Globes he would take “emergency measures” to prevent the closure. He said he plans to meet urgently with officials from various government ministries and the Eilat Municipality in an effort to keep the port operational.

The Port of Eilat, which serves ships traveling to Israel via the Red Sea, “is an important, significant, and central asset that directly and indirectly employs hundreds of workers,” Eilat Mayor Eli Lankri told Hebrew-language outlet Ynet in December 2024.

“Securing Eilat is not just an urban interest but a national interest. Eilat is the southern gateway to the State of Israel, and as such, it must be kept open and safe,” Lankri added.

In September 2024, an explosive drone fired by the Houthis penetrated Israeli airspace and struck the Port of Eilat, wounding two people.