The Houthi rebels threatened on Tuesday to respond to any protection attempt of Israeli ships in the Red Sea, following the EU’s announcement of the naval mission “Operation Shields” to protect ships in the Red Sea.

It is noted that “Operation Shields” also has a Greek interest, given that based on the decision, the operational headquarters will be located in Larissa with a Greek commander while the command in the field is assumed by Italy. The European forces that will participate in the operation come from Greece, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Belgium and Denmark.

“We say to the Europeans, don’t play with fire, there is no need to support the US in protecting the ‘occupying entity’ (protecting Israeli ships),” Mohammed Ali Al Houthi, a member of the Supreme Political Council, said in a statement.

“Any stupidity you commit will affect your ships and navigation (in the Red Sea), we warned you,” Al Houthi also said.

“Your presence increases the militarization of the Red Sea… and will affect the food supply chain in the markets in your countries,” he added.

Houthis target cargo ships in the Red Sea owned or operated by Israeli companies or transporting goods to and from Israel in solidarity with Gaza, which has been under Israeli attack since October 7.

With tensions escalating over joint US and UK strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen, the pro-Iranian group said it now considers all US and British ships “legitimate military objectives”.