Iran Ally Issues New Global Threat
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
The Iranian-backed Houthi militant group in Yemen has warned of escalating attacks on global shipping by targeting all vessels operated by companies that engage in commercial activity in Israeli ports.
Newsweek has reached out to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and Houthi officials for comment.
Why It Matters
Following a pause linked to the earlier, now-collapsed Gaza ceasefire, the Houthis have renewed their attacks in July, sinking two ships in one week.
They have targeted over 100 commercial vessels since 2023, pushing some major shipping firms to suspend routes through the Red Sea—including to Israel. The growing threat may prompt renewed Western military intervention.
A screen grab captured from a video provided by the Houthi group media center shows an attack on the ship Magic Seas in the Red Sea on July 8, 2025.
A screen grab captured from a video provided by the Houthi group media center shows an attack on the ship Magic Seas in the Red Sea on July 8, 2025.
HouthiWhat To Know
A Houthi military spokesperson said the move was part of a "naval blockade" against Israel that has escalated to a new phase, adding that vessels will be targeted over business ties regardless of their nationality or destination.
On July 6, Houthi rebels sank the Greek-operated Magic Seas using drones, missiles and speedboats, The ship was transporting fertilizer and iron between China and Turkey, according to Reuters.
A day later, they hit the Eternity C, heading to the port of Eilat and several crew members were killed. Other are missing and some are feared kidnapped.
Disruption of the Red Sea trade route, which carries nearly 30 percent of global container traffic and vital oil exports, is threatening global supply chains, forcing shipping firms to reroute the long way around South Africa's Cape of Good Hope, raising freight costs and insurance rates.
After a truce in May halted U.S. airstrikes against the Houthis, the group has launched attacks on Israel and warned global airlines against flying to Ben Gurion airport, which it has targeted several times.
According to Fatima Abo Alasrar, an analyst with the Washington Center for Yemeni Studies, the recent ship attacks were "choreographed demonstrations of a new maritime order," which reflects the Houthis alignment with Iran's broader proxy strategy.
"When the Iran-backed Houthi forces filmed themselves boarding the abandoned Magic Seas, planting synchronized explosives while chanting 'death to America, death to Israel, curse the Jews,' the propaganda value was calculated," wrote in an analysis for the Atlantic Council this month.
A fragile ceasefire exists between Israel and Iran, which has previously said the Houthis were operating independently in response to U.S. and Israeli accusations of supporting militant groups in the region.
What People Are Saying
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree on Telegram: "The Yemeni Armed Forces warn all companies to cease their dealings with Israeli enemy ports starting from the moment this statement is announced. Otherwise, their ships, regardless of their destination, will be targeted anywhere that can be reached or within the reach of our missiles and drones."
S&P Global published on July 9: "The Iran-backed rebel group's latest attacks are the first in 2025 and among their worst, with initial industry reports suggesting two Greek dry bulk carriers have sunk and at least three seafarers killed."
What Happens Next
Israel vowed to disrupt the Houthis activities and is likely to continue attacks on areas they control in Yemen, particularly the port of Hodeidah.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New York Post
26 minutes ago
- New York Post
Netanyahu approves plan to fully occupy Gaza Strip, force Hamas to release hostages
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has decided to order a full military occupation of the Gaza Strip to force Hamas to free the hostages, according to local reports. The expansion of the war would see the military, which already controls about 75% of Gaza, take over the remaining areas and conduct operations where the hostages are believed to be held, the Jerusalem Post reported. The move was reportedly made without the input of the Israeli military's chief of staff Eyal Zamir — with Netanyahu instructing him to fall in line or resign, according to the internal memo sent out. Advertisement 4 The family of 24-year-old hostage Evyatar David released a second Hamas propaganda video on Saturday showing him in visibly dire physical condition, a day after Hamas published what it claimed was a sign of life from the captive. Al-Qassam Brigade Footage 4 This screengrab from a video released on July 31 by Al-Quds Brigades, the armed wing of Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad shows a hostage, identified as Rom Braslavski by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum. 4 Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel, speaks during a meeting on July31, 2025. 4 The Post's front cover on the plight of Evyatar David. Advertisement The decision to escalate the 21-month war comes despite calls from within Israel and around the world to find a diplomatic end to the fighting — with growing backlash over widespread hunger in Gaza and concern for the safety of the hostages.
Newsweek
27 minutes ago
- Newsweek
Can Greg Abbott Kick Out Fleeing Democrats? Experts Weigh In
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Texas Governor Greg Abbott warned on Sunday that Democratic lawmakers who fled the state to break quorum during a special legislative session could be removed from office for abandoning their duties. Abbott cited a 2021 opinion by Attorney General Ken Paxton as justification, asserting that it allows him to declare vacancies and replace absent members. However, a detailed review of Texas law and the attorney general's opinion indicates the governor lacks unilateral authority to take such action. Why It Matters Abbott's threat highlights a broader clash over executive power, legislative independence and due process in Texas politics. While Abbott cites Paxton's 2021 opinion to justify potential removals, the opinion indicates that only courts—not the governor—can determine whether a legislator has abandoned office. If a governor could unilaterally remove legislators for breaking quorum, it would drastically expand executive power and potentially override voters' choices. Texas House members during a hearing at the state Capitol in Austin on July 10, 2021. Texas House members during a hearing at the state Capitol in Austin on July 10, 2021. Tamir Kalifa/Getty What To Know Who Is Greg Abbott? Abbott has served as Texas' governor since January 20, 2015. A former lawyer and Texas Supreme Court Justice (1996-2001), he served as attorney general from 2002 to 2015. A Republican since his state Supreme Court appointment by Governor George W. Bush, Abbott is known for his conservative positions on immigration, gun rights and limiting federal oversight. Who Is Ken Paxton? Ken Paxton, a former state legislator, has been Texas' attorney general since 2015. As the state's top legal officer, he issues advisory opinions like his 2021 KP-0382 and represents Texas in court. In 2023, Paxton faced an impeachment attempt in the Texas House over allegations of corruption, abuse of office and bribery tied to his relationship with a political donor. The Texas Senate held a trial in September 2023 and acquitted him on all counts, allowing him to remain in office. Quorum Breaks Explained A quorum break occurs when enough lawmakers leave a legislative session to prevent official business. Legislative bodies like the Texas House require a minimum number of members present to pass laws—two-thirds in this case. In Texas, a quorum is the minimum number of legislators required for the House (100 of 150 members) or Senate (21 of 31 members) to conduct business. If enough members leave, they can deny a quorum and halt legislative proceedings. The tactic, which is used by Democrats and Republicans, is legal but controversial. What the Paxton Opinion Says Attorney General Opinion KP-0382 was issued during a 2021 quorum standoff. It addressed whether lawmakers could break quorum and whether such actions create a vacancy. The opinion concluded: A vacancy may occur if an official "abandons" office. Determining abandonment is a fact-specific question for a court. A quo warranto action (a legal proceeding used to challenge whether a person has the legal right to hold a public office) must be filed by the attorney general or a district attorney for a court to decide if a legislator forfeited office. The opinion did not rule breaking quorum unconstitutional, nor did it grant the governor power to declare vacancies unilaterally. Historical Context Texas governors have used legal and procedural tools to compel lawmakers back to the chamber but have never removed members for breaking quorum. 1870: Thirteen Texas senators left the Capitol to block a wartime powers bill, denying a quorum. They were arrested, and the bill later passed, establishing quorum-breaking as a tactic in Texas politics. Thirteen Texas senators left the Capitol to block a wartime powers bill, denying a quorum. They were arrested, and the bill later passed, establishing quorum-breaking as a tactic in Texas politics. 1979: Twelve Democratic state senators nicknamed the "Killer Bees" hid for four and a half days to block a vote on presidential primary election rules. Twelve Democratic state senators nicknamed the "Killer Bees" hid for four and a half days to block a vote on presidential primary election rules. 2003: More than 50 Democrats fled to Oklahoma to delay a Republican-backed redistricting plan. The plan ultimately passed after lawmakers returned. More than 50 Democrats fled to Oklahoma to delay a Republican-backed redistricting plan. The plan ultimately passed after lawmakers returned. 2021: More than 50 Democrats went to Washington to protest voting restrictions. Arrests were authorized to compel attendance, and the bill passed after members returned. What People Are Saying Chuck DeVore, chief national initiatives officer at the Texas Public Policy Foundation and a former California lawmaker, told Newsweek on Monday: "The governor has threatened to declare a vacancy, which he can do. This does not require any sort of judicial Article IV, Section 10 of the Texas governor can declare vacancies. "I really think that eventually there will be members that come are members that cannot withstand the financial potentially criminal action, because if it's found out that you took money from somebody in exchange for breaking illegal. "What happened the last time [2021]...the average Texan simply looks at this and says, you're not doing your job. And what ends up happening is the public begins to turn against them." Brandon Rottinghaus, a political science professor at the University of Houston, told the Texas Tribune: "It's a messaging a last resort for Democrats who have run out of options legislatively and even legally." Mark P. Jones, a political science professor at Rice University: "If we're going to follow our current primary schedule, we do need to have these districts approved by the Legislature before the opening of filing [for the 2026 midterms] in November." The Texas House Democratic Caucus, in a four-word statement in response to Abbott's threats: "Come and take it." Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, during a press conference on Sunday: "We're going to do everything we can to protect every single one of them." What Happens Next Abbott ordered Democratic lawmakers to return when the House reconvenes on August 4. While he has threatened to declare their seats vacant, any attempt would almost certainly lead to a court challenge. With no precedent for removal in Texas history, the standoff could prolong legislative gridlock, prompt additional special sessions and potentially set new legal precedent on gubernatorial authority (the legal powers and responsibilities granted to a state governor under a state's constitution and laws) and quorum-breaking tactics.
UPI
27 minutes ago
- UPI
Israel's cabinet votes to fire attorney general prosecuting Netanyahu
Aug. 4 (UPI) -- Israel Prime Minister's Benjamin Netanyahu's cabinet on Monday unanimously voted to fire Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miari, who is prosecuting the country's leader, prompting demonstrators to protest the decision in Jerusalem. This is the first time the Israeli government fired an attorney general in the 78-year history of the Jewish state. In February 2022, the government unanimously approved her appointment, the first woman to serve in the role. The dismissal is on hold because of a injunction by the High Court of Justice. The judges have ruled that they must first decide on the legality amid pending petitions by government watchdog groups and the attorney general. Haaretz reported the court is likely to strike it down because the rules were changed during the process. "The government has just unanimously approved the proposal of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice Yariv Levin to immediately terminate the tenure of Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara," according to a spokesperson for. In March, Levin sought to remove her, which led to a legal challenge and opposition among Israeli residents. Netanyahu, who didn't take part in the vote, has accused Baharav-Miari of abusing her power to undermine his policies and endanger the nation's rule of law. She also is accused of blocking the firing of Israel's domestic security agency. In Israel, the attorney general is not a political appointment and serves as the government's legal adviser and public watchdog. Baharav-Miari, in a letter to the minister, wrote that "through new rules to designed to ensure a desire outcome," the chief prosecutor in the case against Netanyahu is being dismissed. "From now on, the government will be able to fire any attorney general -- the state's top prosecutor -- without any oversight mechanisms, and even on improper grounds," she wrote. "For example, in retaliation for warning against illegal actions, ordering an investigation of a minister, refusing to halt a criminal case against a government member, or as part of a political deal. "This is deeply troubling in general, and especially so given that dismissing the attorney general and appointing a replacement could influence the prime minister's criminal trial and ongoing investigations involving other ministers and associates." The existing law requires the vote of the professional committee that initially approved her to agree to fire her. Instead, the cabinet established a new committee, which summoned her for a hearing. She refused calling the panel "corrupt and illegitimate." Senior government officials were offering a compromise: she would step down voluntarily and choose her successor, Haaretz reported. But she is unlikely to agree to this, Haaretz reported. "This conduct undermines the guarantees of independence and integrity across the entire civil service, especially for gatekeepers, and causes both immediate and cumulative harm," she said last week. Netanyahu was indicted in November 2019 for charges that include bribery, fraud and breach of trust, including allegedly accepting $200,000 in gifts from wealthy businessmen for favorable media coverage. The trial began in May 2020. The prosecution rested its case in July 2024. The defense's case has been continually delayed. Protesters appeared outside the prime minister's Office, waving Israeli flags, and holding signs and posters. Democrats party chairman Yair Golan said the cabinet meeting took place "as our hostages are dying in the tunnels, as Israeli society is tearing itself apart." He said "the Israeli government in these difficult times is only busy with itself." U.S. President Donald Trump has called for the cancellation of the trial, drawing parallels to his trial, calling it a "witch hunt" and "travesty of justice." Also Monday, about 600 former Israeli security officials urged Trump to pressure Israel to end the war against Hamas in Gaza. The open letter reads: "Your credibility with the vast majority of Israelis augments your ability to steer prime minister Netanyahu and his government in the right direction: end the war, return the hostages, stop the suffering." Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2003, with 1,200 Israelis, mainly civilians, initially killed with 251 abducted and an estimate 50 remain, including 33 presumed dead. More than 60,900 Palestinians, including more than half women and children, have died according to the Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry. Israelis rally for release of hostages
