Israel Bolsters Red Sea Defenses and Naval Escorts Amid Repeated Houthi Attacks, Gaza Conflict Continues

Israel deploys Sa'ar 6-class corvettes and increases naval defenses in the Red Sea as Houthi missile attacks persist, with Gaza conflict escalating and southern city Eilat at risk.

The Israel Defense Forces have intercepted Houthi-launched missiles and drones heading for Israel, with assistance from the U.S. Navy, as confirmed attacks have demonstrated a significant risk to southern Israel, in particular, the port city of Eilat.
Israel has deployed Sa’ar 6-class corvettes to strengthen their naval defense in the Red Sea, integrating advanced Israeli-developed sensors and missiles, including the naval version of the Iron Dome air defense system and the Barak 8 surface-to-air missiles.
These deployed corvettes are designed to provide maritime protection for Israel’s exclusive economic zone particularly in the East Mediterranean, along with the daunting task of potentially deterring Houthi's seaborne threats in the Red Sea.
The Israeli Navy is considering the use of these naval assets as potential escorts to protect Israeli merchant ships in the Red Sea, in response to Yemen’s Prime Minister's warning that Israeli ships would be targeted if Israel continued targeting Gaza.
The coastal city of Eilat, a safe haven for around 65,000 evacuees primarily from communities near Gaza Strip and Lebanese border, has been reinforced with multi-layered air defenses and Navy missile boats amid the escalating conflict with Gaza