European Boycott Hinders Israeli Military Armament, Navy Most Affected

The Israeli Navy is set to receive a new German-made submarine at Haifa port on Thursday, months behind schedule due to an ongoing European boycott of the Israeli military following the Gaza conflict. This boycott, involving countries like Norway, Denmark, and France, prevents the supply of crucial components for submarines and warships built in German shipyards. Israeli military sources told the newspaper Haaretz that the "covert and overt boycott" is having a "direct and immediate impact" on the military's development and armament, with the Navy being particularly affected. This contradicts Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's statements about "complete independence in security production," according to the sources.

Further illustrating the impact, Norway and Denmark denied the new submarine permission to dock in their ports for training and inspection, despite it flying the German flag and belonging to the German shipyard at the time. This forced the submarine to take an 8,000-kilometer detour. Additionally, other European nations have begun barring Israeli ships, both military and civilian, from their ports for supplies and fuel.

The Israeli General Staff has consequently revised its concept for the Navy, shifting its focus from coastal defense and intelligence to a more strategic role. This reevaluation acknowledges Israel's heavy reliance on maritime trade, with 98% of its commerce being sea-dependent. Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir has officially designated the Navy as a "strategic arm."

Concerns are rising within the Israeli military about the potential for a naval blockade in the Mediterranean, either through protest fleets or attacks on commercial vessels heading to Israel. Such actions could significantly increase maritime insurance costs and inflict severe economic damage. The military also fears disruptions to its ammunition imports, highlighting the vulnerability of sea transport compared to air cargo, especially given the threat to shipping in the Red Sea and the closure of Eilat port.

Israel is also closely monitoring Turkey's actions in the Eastern Mediterranean. Turkey disputes Greek and Cypriot economic waters and seeks control over large maritime areas to establish a sea route to Libya. The Turkish Navy, the second-largest in NATO, possesses advanced German-made submarines and plans to acquire more, raising Israeli security concerns. Navy sources indicate that the current fleet is ill-equipped to handle evolving threats long-term and advocate for expanding naval bases, though funding for such projects is uncertain.