Israel Plans Land Ports to Join India-Europe Trade Corridor Amid Regional Threats

Israel is accelerating its integration into the new India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), a strategic trade route designed to connect Asia and Europe. The Israel Ports Company (IPC) is preparing to submit a plan to the government in the coming weeks for the establishment of land ports and their connection to the national rail network and existing seaports. This initiative aims to position Israel as a crucial hub in the intercontinental supply chain.

The plan comes amid significant disruptions to global trade routes, including Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and tensions with Iran, which threaten maritime passage through the Bab el-Mandeb strait and the Suez Canal. There is also concern that competing trade corridors promoted by other regional actors, such as Turkey, could bypass Israel.

The proposed land ports would serve as logistical centers, facilitating the transfer of goods between Persian Gulf ports and Mediterranean seaports via rail and truck. From there, cargo would continue its journey by sea to Europe. This multimodal approach is intended to shorten transit times and reduce reliance on traditional shipping lanes.

During the Mare Med conference in Tel Aviv, an international forum discussed the IMEC project, involving representatives from Israel, the United States, Greece, the European Union, and Jordan, along with shipping companies and port operators. A permanent international professional forum and working groups were established to coordinate efforts and remove regulatory and operational barriers.

IPC CEO Pinchas Tzuriyah emphasized the critical nature of the project, stating, "The IMEC project is a historic opportunity to turn Israel into a major trade junction, and the question is not if the project will be realized but when." He warned that "the window of opportunity will not remain open forever" due to increasing global competition. IPC Chairman Hazi Halalua added that the corridor is a "strategic bridge connecting the Middle East to Europe," enhancing Israel's strategic positioning and national resilience.

Director General of the Government Companies Authority, Roi Kehalon, urged the government to provide the necessary tools for state-owned companies to act quickly and efficiently. The Greek Ambassador to Israel, Maya Solomon, affirmed Greece's commitment to the project, calling Israel a "vital partner in the regional space."