The answer to Houthi attacks and the Turkish axis: establishing inland ports in Israel

The Israel Ports Company is expected to submit a strategic plan to the government for establishing inland ports in Israel, as part of its integration into the IMEC trade corridor between India and Europe. The move aims to address threats to traditional shipping routes, including Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, and to promote competition against alternative trade axes of Turkey and Syria.

The Israel Ports Company (IPC) is expected to submit a strategic plan to the government in the coming weeks for establishing inland ports in Israel and connecting them to seaports and the railway network. The plan was announced today (Thursday) at the Mare Med conference in Tel Aviv, with senior representatives from Israel and other countries participating. The move aims to advance Israel's role in the IMEC project—the India-Middle East-Europe economic corridor, which is intended to create an alternative trade route between Asia and Europe. The backdrop includes threats to major shipping routes, primarily Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and tensions with Iran, along with concerns that Turkey and Syria will promote competing trade corridors that bypass Israel. During the conference, it was decided to establish a permanent international professional forum and working groups that will meet every two months. IPC CEO Pinchas Tsruya said, "The window of opportunity will not remain open forever." Company Chairman Hezi Kahlavia emphasized that the corridor is a "strategic bridge" and that establishing Israel's position in it will be "a central pillar of national resilience."