Netanyahu: Israel could replace Hormuz as energy transit route

Alternative to Hormuz

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that escalating tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz could accelerate a global shift toward alternative energy corridors, positioning Israel as a potential transit hub connecting Gulf producers to Mediterranean markets, according to the Israeli Government Press Office. Speaking at a seminar in the Jordan Valley, Netanyahu noted that historical energy crises have consistently prompted major powers to diversify supply chains away from volatile maritime chokepoints.

"This is what will happen here as well," he said, suggesting that current instability would drive similar diversification efforts. "We have an opportunity here to be part of this route toward the Mediterranean," Netanyahu added, without elaborating on specific infrastructure, financing mechanisms, or implementation timelines.

Strategic blockade

The Israeli premier's remarks come as the US-Israeli war with Iran enters its second month, with the strategic Strait of Hormuz remaining blocked and disrupting a significant share of global oil shipments. The closure has heightened concerns among energy-importing nations regarding the security of traditional maritime passages through the Gulf.

Netanyahu did not provide details about which countries might participate in the proposed corridor or how goods would transit through Israeli territory to reach Mediterranean ports. His government has previously promoted infrastructure initiatives linking the Gulf states to Europe via Israeli rail and port networks, though regional diplomatic complexities have limited progress on such schemes.