Israel Plans Land Ports to Boost Trade Corridor Amid Regional Tensions

Israel Ports Company (IPC) is pushing the government to advance its involvement in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) project, aiming to establish land ports within Israel. This strategic plan, set to be submitted for government approval in the coming weeks, seeks to physically and logistically connect Israel's seaports, railway network, and logistics centers. The initiative is intended to solidify Israel's position as a key trade hub between Asia and Europe, moving from vision to execution.

The announcement was made at the Mare Med conference in Tel Aviv, during an international forum attended by officials from Israel, the US, Greece, the EU, and Jordan, along with representatives from shipping companies and Israeli ports. A permanent international professional forum and working groups will be established to ensure ongoing coordination and address regulatory and operational barriers.

The urgency for the IMEC project stems from global shipping disruptions, including Houthi attacks in the Red Sea impacting traffic through the Suez Canal and heightened tensions with Iran, which threaten maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. These factors have increased maritime insurance costs and spurred the search for alternative routes.

The IMEC corridor proposes a combined sea and land route, connecting India to the Persian Gulf, then via rail and logistics through Saudi Arabia and Jordan to Israeli ports, serving as the gateway to Greece and Europe. This route is expected to save valuable shipping days and create a stable trade artery independent of vulnerable maritime chokepoints.

IPC CEO Pinchas Tzuriyah described the project as a "historic opportunity" for Israel to become a central trade junction, emphasizing that "the question is not if the project will be implemented but when." He also noted the increasing global competition for trade routes and the limited window of opportunity. IPC Chairman Hezi Khalalua added that IMEC is a "strategic bridge" connecting the Middle East and Europe, crucial for building a resilient supply chain and enhancing Israel's strategic positioning and national resilience for decades to come.

Government officials, including Roi Kahlon, Director of the Government Companies Authority, highlighted the need for expedited infrastructure development mechanisms. Kahlon stated that Israel has a "tremendous opportunity" to become a hub connecting economies and generating long-term strategic advantage, with government companies responsible for significant infrastructure. The Greek Ambassador to Israel, Maya Solomon, affirmed Israel's vital role due to its "geographical location, port infrastructure, and technological capabilities," expressing Greece's readiness to cooperate in realizing the corridor's potential.