An Israeli official told Channel 12 that Houthi control of Bab-el-Mandeb is more dangerous than the current Hormuz situation, and the reason is simple geometry. The eastern shipping channel past Perim Island is only about 3 km wide. Ships will pass within visual range of Houthi positions. Israeli official: They will be able to fire at whatever they want with anti-tank missiles. They will be able to see the ships with their own eyes. That's the difference. At Hormuz, Iran needs radar, surveillance systems, and anti-ship missiles to threaten traffic. At Bab-el-Mandeb, a fighter with a basic ATGM on Perim Island can hit a tanker he can physically see. No sophisticated targeting required. The official said this gives the Houthis "enormous power." hters on the island.