Netanyahu vows to safeguard maritime routes after tanker hit in Strait of Hormuz

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel will protect the freedom of navigation and safety of maritime trade routes after a tanker was struck by an unidentified projectile while passing through the Strait of Hormuz. He made the remarks during a visit to the naval base in Haifa, emphasizing the strategic importance of open sea lanes for Israel.

The incident occurred amid ongoing attacks on tankers in the strait, which Iran continues to target, and threats from the Iran‑backed Houthi rebels in Yemen toward Israeli vessels in the Red Sea. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency reported structural damage to the vessel but no injuries or environmental pollution. Indirect talks between the United States and Iran in Doha concluded without major progress on the Hormuz issue.