Israel prepares strike on Iran's main trump card - media

Israel is discussing with Gulf states the creation of a new energy route to export oil and gas to Europe, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The project aims to reduce the region's dependence on sea lanes threatened by Iran and its allies. A route through Saudi Arabia and Israel is being considered, as well as a larger plan to build new pipelines. Energy Minister Eli Cohen considers the Israeli route the most reliable.

Israel is discussing with Gulf states the creation of a new energy route that would allow oil and gas to be exported to Europe, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The project is intended to reduce the region's dependence on sea lanes threatened by Iran and its allies. Negotiations have been ongoing for several weeks and are taking place both in Israel and abroad, involving representatives of Gulf states and the American administration. As a short-term solution, a route through western Saudi Arabia is being considered: oil would be delivered to the port of Yanbu, then by tankers to Eilat, and via pipeline to Ashkelon. A larger plan involves building new pipelines from Gulf states to Aqaba and Eilat, making Israel a key land bridge between the Red and Mediterranean Seas. Energy Minister Eli Cohen considers the Israeli route the most reliable. Israel is also promoting the energy component of the IMEC corridor. The need for alternative routes has become evident amid heightened tensions around Iran. The UAE is expanding its pipeline to Fujairah, and Saudi Arabia has increased utilization of its pipeline to Yanbu. For Israel, the project opens economic and political opportunities, but implementation depends on resolving environmental issues.