Eilat, located on the northern tip of the Red Sea, has been among the ports directly impacted by the Yemeni strikes on Israeli vessels or those bound for the occupied territories.
Shipping companies have been forced to reroute vessels to steer clear of the attacks, carried out since November in support of the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
Port management has decided to lay off half of its 120 employees, leading to a strong reaction from dock workers who staged a protest on Wednesday in response to the announcement.
The port's CEO Gideon Golber said the move was the final option after months of losses and inactivity.
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