Greater Hanish Island
Greater Hanish is the largest island in the Hanish archipelago, a strategically vital chain in the southern Red Sea that commands the northern approaches to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. In September 2026, the island and its neighbors fell under the control of the Iran-backed Houthi movement, significantly escalating the threat to international shipping lanes.
Greater Hanish Island (Hanish al-Kabir) serves as the anchor of the Hanish archipelago, situated in the southern Red Sea between the coasts of Yemen and Eritrea. Historically a point of contention due to its proximity to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait—a primary global maritime chokepoint—the island provides a natural vantage point for monitoring and intercepting commercial and military naval traffic. Its rugged terrain and strategic location make it a critical asset for any force seeking to project power over the Red Sea corridor.
In September 2026, reports confirmed that the Houthi movement, an Iranian proxy officially known as Ansar Allah, seized Greater Hanish along with Lesser Hanish and Zaqar Island. This maneuver represents a major tactical shift in the regional conflict, as it grants the Houthis a forward maritime base far from the Yemeni mainland. From these positions, the group can deploy anti-ship missiles, drones, and fast attack craft with greater efficiency against vessels bound for the Suez Canal or the Gulf of Aqaba.
For Israel, the Houthi occupation of Greater Hanish is a direct security concern. The Red Sea is a vital artery for Israeli trade, particularly for energy imports and exports through the Port of Eilat. The presence of an Iranian-aligned force on these islands enhances the 'Axis of Resistance's' ability to enforce a maritime blockade or conduct targeted strikes against Israeli-linked shipping. This development follows a broader Houthi offensive in late 2026, which included the capture of the strategic port of Mocha, further consolidating their grip on Yemen's western coastline and the surrounding maritime domain. The international community views this occupation as a significant threat to the freedom of navigation, necessitating increased naval presence from regional and global powers to secure the waterway.