The seizure indicates the potential involvement of Yemen-based Houthi rebels, who previously vowed to target all ships linked to Israel or display its flag in the Red Sea. According to reports from Axios, the Israeli authorities admitted that the Galaxy Leader vessel, which is partly owned by an Israeli company, had been seized by rebels.
However, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) later contradicted assertions that the ship had Israeli origins. Unravelling the precise ownership of these vessels proves challenging due to the intricate web of companies holding stakes or leasing the ships.
Several media sources have indicated that the ship is under the ownership of Israeli shipping businessman Rami Ungar. The nationality of the crew remains uncertain, with Israel asserting that no nationals are present on the vessel. The Galaxy Leader, flying the flag of the Bahamas, allegedly went unreported to ship tracking services for a span of 26 hours. The incident is believed to have occurred in the Red Sea, where the vessel was reportedly targeted by Houthi forces. Contradictory reports have emerged regarding the number of individuals on board, with Lebanon-based outlet Al Mayadeen stating 52 people and other sources suggesting a crew size of 22.
