Israeli Shipping Expert Fears "Soft Sanctions" Like Fewer Supply Lines Due to Red Sea Blockade

Ami Daniel, CEO of the Windward shipping information company, says that Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and their effective blockade of ships heading to Israel could mean not only higher prices on items like cars and furniture but also fewer supply lines, according to an interview he gave to Globes.

While there is a formal US-led naval alliance meant to protect all shipping through the Red Sea named Operation Prosperity Guardian, Daniel says that few are really heeding American direction - the French are focusing on protecting their shipping, India is doing its own thing, and 10 other countries don't seem to be committing much to the effort.

The situation is so bad, that Daniel says many companies are preferring to not be protected at all than be protected by American forces. He also noted in the interview that the main shipping companies that have seemingly conceded to Houthi demands to not ship to Israel are Russian, Chinese, and Greek.

All in all, Israel is not under a blockade as it has plenty of companies still willing to ship to its ports, but prices and costs will go higher. Daniel ended the interview by suggesting the appointment of a government point man or specific ministry to handle the Israeli side of the ongoing crisis.