Domino effect: How Houthi terror in Bab el-Mandeb affects us all? | Weekend special

The Houthi takeover of the Bab el-Mandeb strait threatens global maritime trade, raises shipping costs, and accelerates inflation. The analysis examines the implications for Saudi Arabia, Israel, Egypt, and the major powers, and asks whether the West can ensure freedom of navigation in an era of asymmetric warfare.

The Houthi rebel takeover of the Bab el-Mandeb strait in Yemen is an unfolding event that has shaken the security and economic systems of the entire world. The strait, about 30 kilometers wide, bridges the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean, through which about 12% of global maritime trade and about 10% of seaborne oil and natural gas pass. Houthi military threats force shipping companies to bypass the Suez Canal and choose a route around Africa, adding 6,500 to 7,000 kilometers and extending travel time by 10 to 14 days. The result is a surge in fuel costs and insurance premiums, which ripple through supply chains and increase inflationary pressures. For Saudi Arabia, the crisis threatens oil exports from Red Sea ports and harms development dreams along the western coast. Israel feels the aftershocks in the port of Eilat, which is experiencing a paralysis of ship traffic from the Far East, and the security establishment is required to divert resources to defend the southern area. Regionally, the takeover strengthens the Iranian terror axis and gives Tehran leverage over the global economy. The major powers operate on opposing fronts: the US and UK lead strikes against the Houthis, while China prefers quiet diplomacy with Iran. Egypt suffers a severe blow to its revenues from the Suez Canal. The analysis asks whether the West can ensure freedom of navigation in an era of asymmetric warfare.