The leader of the Houthi rebels in Yemen, Abdul Malik Badr al-Din al-Houthi, addressed his organization's attacks in the Red Sea. He claimed in a speech that "attempts were made this week to open Eilat port. They thought we would ignore it. The naval actions against two ships belonging to companies violating the ban confirm our firm position - the decision to prohibit shipping was never suspended or canceled, it remains in effect."