Is Israel about to miss a strategic opportunity?
The article analyzes the risk that Israel will miss the strategic opportunity of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). While regional countries advance rail connections, ports, and pilot projects, Israeli leadership does not prioritize the issue, Haifa Port is not a member of the IMEC Ports Club, and local rail infrastructure is stalled. The delay could lead to Israel being bypassed by alternative routes and having rules set without its involvement.
The article warns that Israel may miss a significant strategic opportunity: the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). While regional countries are actively advancing the initiative, Israeli leadership keeps it on the sidelines of the agenda. On October 8, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates signed a memorandum of understanding to connect freight railways. Two days earlier, the IMEC Ports Club was launched in New Delhi, with representatives from India, France, Lebanon, Oman, Cyprus, Italy, Greece, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Haifa Port is not a member of this club. Jordan also laid a cornerstone for a railway from Aqaba to the port. In contrast, in Israel, the railway connection from Beit She'an to Jordan and the doubling of the railway line to Haifa Port have not yet been approved. Freight train service to Haifa Port was even halted on August 24 for safety reasons and has not yet resumed. The author argues that the delay could cause partners to choose alternative routes that bypass Israel, or that Israel will join a corridor whose rules have already been set by others. The article calls on the next government to establish an integrating administration, an advisory forum, and to demand that Israeli ports immediately join the IMEC Ports Club.