Warning follows Iranian threats to hinder shipping through strategic waterway
“If Iran tries to block the Bab al-Mandab, I’m convinced it will find itself facing a determined international coalition tasked with preventing this,” he added.
Netanyahu went on to stress the waterway’s strategic importance to Israel.
“The sea provides many opportunities,” he said. “Above all, it allows the small state of Israel to extend its reach by deploying our vessels… across a vast area,” he asserted.
Last week, Saudi Arabia suspended crude oil transfers through the Bab al-Mandab after two of its oil tankers were allegedly attacked by Iranian-backed rebels off Yemen’s coast.
“Saudi Arabia is temporarily halting all oil shipments through the Bab al-Mandab until the situation becomes clearer and maritime transit through the strait is secure,” Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih said at the time.
An estimated 7 percent of all international maritime traffic transits through the Bab al-Mandab each year.
