Iranian Missile Strikes Cause Extensive Damage to Haifa's Bazan Oil Refinery Complex

A newly released government document reveals the full extent of damage inflicted on the Bazan oil refinery complex in Haifa by Iranian missile attacks. The document, published by the Ministry of Interior as part of the approval process for restoration work, states that full rehabilitation of the site is not expected before 2028. This timeline is three years ahead of the planned Bazan site evacuation in 2031, as per government decision.

The refinery was hit in two separate incidents: first during Operation "With the Dog" in June 2025, and later in Operation "Roar of the Lion" in March of this year. The initial strike was more severe, resulting in the deaths of three Bazan employees: Igor Fredkin, Uri Levi, and Danny Abraham. It also caused significant damage to the power station, leading to a shutdown of refining operations. Bazan reported to the stock exchange that damages from this attack were estimated between $150 million and $200 million.

The second attack involved missile intercept debris and a direct hit on the roof of a distillation tank. Bazan later stated the damage was not critical and production facilities remained operational. However, the draft decree details additional previously unreported damage, including to gas turbines, steam boilers, electrical rooms, and auxiliary systems. The affected distillation tank is irreparable, necessitating the construction of a new replacement tank with a capacity of up to 12,700 cubic meters.

The document highlights that the compromised storage capacity directly impacts the refinery’s ability to produce and supply standard gasoline to consumers. Although the energy sector noted that emergency fuel reserves were not tapped during the conflict, the report indicates long-term operational consequences for the refinery. The draft decree aims to grant an exemption from permit requirements for the necessary restoration work at the Haifa Bay refinery complex to expedite repairs and restore full functionality.