In a significant development currently making waves in Texas, pro-Palestine activists have launched the “Houston Arms Embargo Campaign,” a direct effort to halt military shipments destined for Israel that transit through the Port of Houston. The campaign’s emergence coincides with the Houston International Maritime Conference (HIMC25), a major industry event held from November 2-5, 2025, highlighting the port’s critical role as a logistics hub for international trade and, by extension, the global arms supply chain.
Demands for an Embargo
The “Houston Arms Embargo Campaign,” spearheaded by groups such as Palestine Solidarity TX and the Palestinian Youth Movement (PYM), aims to disrupt the flow of weapons and military equipment from the United States to Israel. Organizers emphasize that U.S. infrastructure, including the Port of Houston, is complicit in facilitating these arms transfers and bear responsibility for the consequences. The campaign’s core demand is for an immediate halt to all military cargo bound for Israel passing through the port, viewing it as a practical step to end U.S. support for Israel’s military actions.
The activists assert that the Port of Houston has become an essential node in the global supply chain that arms Israel, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. They are also calling for a broader ethical discussion within the U.S. maritime industry regarding the legal responsibilities of shipping companies under international law.
The Port of Houston’s Strategic Significance
Recent investigations by activists have pinpointed the Port of Houston as a key transit point for components of advanced military hardware. Notably, parts for the F-35 fighter jet, considered a cornerstone of Israel’s air force, have been identified as regularly passing through the port. These components are shipped via Maersk container vessels and are often destined for Lockheed Martin facilities in Fort Worth, Texas, for assembly. Over the past five years, 432 shipments of F-35 parts have arrived at the Port of Houston, with more than 40% originating directly from Israel, underscoring the intricate nature of this supply chain.
The timing of the campaign’s launch alongside the Houston International Maritime Conference is strategic, aiming to draw attention to the port’s role during an event that gathers maritime industry leaders. The “Mask Off Maersk” campaign, which targets global shipping giant Maersk for its involvement in transporting weapons components, is aligned with these efforts.
Broader Context of U.S. Support and Activism in Texas
The “Houston Arms Embargo Campaign” emerges against a backdrop of substantial U.S. military and financial support for Israel. Since the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, the United States has provided billions in military aid and expedited weapons shipments to Israel. By September 2025, the U.S. had provided at least $21.7 billion in military aid to Israel since the start of the Gaza war, with total bilateral assistance and missile defense funding reaching approximately $174 billion. This extensive support includes guided missiles, artillery shells, and advanced defense systems, with the U.S. also having vetoed numerous UN ceasefire resolutions.
Activism against these arms transfers has seen various forms across Texas. In August 2025, 22 individuals were arrested during a pro-Palestine protest outside Houston’s Israeli consulate, marking one of the largest mass arrests of protesters in Houston since the conflict began. Previous protests in Texas have called for ceasefires and have faced political pushback; in April 2025, Texas Governor Greg Abbott threatened funding cuts to the town of San Marcos after its council considered a resolution calling for an arms embargo on Israel, citing state laws that prohibit boycotts of Israel. The political climate in Texas reflects a broader national debate regarding U.S. foreign policy and military aid.
Implications and Future Outlook
Activists involved in the Houston Arms Embargo Campaign hope that by disrupting the flow of weapons through a major U.S. port, they can significantly impact Israel’s military capabilities and influence U.S. policy. Their actions are part of a growing national and international movement demanding an end to U.S. complicity in the conflict.
However, these efforts face considerable challenges, including state-level political opposition and the deeply entrenched U.S. policy of supporting Israel’s security. The campaign’s success will likely depend on its ability to sustain public pressure, build broader coalition support, and potentially influence policy decisions at local, state, and federal levels. The current news buzz indicates that the Port of Houston remains a focal point for this activism in Texas, as the conflict in Gaza continues to generate global attention.
The launch of the “Houston Arms Embargo Campaign” signifies a determined push by activists in Texas to leverage U.S. logistical infrastructure to advocate for Palestinian rights and an end to military shipments to Israel, setting the stage for continued debate and action in the region.
