[News] 'Israel' faces crippling naval blockade from Iran, Hezbollah: Reports

[Anti-Imperialist News]

english.almayadeen.net
<https://english.almayadeen.net/news/Arts&Culture/-israel--faces-crippling-naval-blockade-from-iran--hezbollah>
'Israel' faces crippling naval blockade from Iran, Hezbollah: Reports
Al Mayadeen English
August 15, 2024
------------------------------

40% of general cargo ships are now refusing to sail towards "Israel" due to
the high risks and costs associated with the blockade.
[image: ea91ca16-a02f-492c-ad3c-5ca3c40d47f7.jpg]

   - A general view shows the Israeli port of Haifa, occupied Palestine,
   Aug. 13, 2024. (AFP Photo)

"Israel" is reportedly suffering from a de facto naval blockade imposed by
Iran and Hezbollah, according to a recent report from the Israeli news
outlet *Walla!*.

This blockade, which has come into effect "before any missile strikes", has
already caused severe operational paralysis in key Israeli ports, and
experts warn that the situation could deteriorate further if the ongoing
war escalates.
Blockade Without Missiles: A Strategic Move

The report details how this blockade has been strategically enforced by
Iran and Hezbollah as a preemptive measure "in anticipation of the expected
responses to the assassination of Hezbollah commander martyr Fuad Shukr in
Beirut's southern suburbs and Hamas political bureau chief martyr Ismail
Haniyeh in Tehran." Despite no missiles being fired, the blockade has
effectively crippled "Israel's" maritime trade routes.

Since November, the port of Eilat has been non-operational due to ongoing
Yemeni operations in the Red Sea. As a result, shipments destined for Eilat
have been redirected to the ports of Haifa and Ashdod. However, with
insurance costs skyrocketing and the increasing reluctance of shipowners to
send vessels to these ports, the crisis is deepening.
Worsening Port Conditions

Rami Zafa, the head of "Israel's" maritime shipping office, warned that
"40% of general cargo ships are now refusing to sail towards Israel" due to
the high risks and costs associated with the blockade.

Additionally, "15% of oil tankers have ceased operations in Israel" and
large container ships that previously serviced Israeli ports are now
avoiding them. The only shipments arriving are those transported on
smaller, more expensive vessels.

*Read more: Yemen will stand by Lebanon in the face of Israeli threats:
Al-Mashat
<https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/yemen-will-stand-by-lebanon-in-the-face-of-israeli-threats>*

Zafa expressed grave concerns about the potential for a complete paralysis
of Israeli ports if tensions continue to escalate. He highlighted the
particular vulnerability of Haifa port due to its proximity to Lebanon,
noting that the restrictions already in place could escalate into a
"snowball effect, severely damaging its ability to support Israeli trade."
Strategic and Economic Impact

The burden of these disruptions has largely shifted to the Ashdod port.
However, even there the situation is dire, with shipowners increasingly
hesitant to send their vessels into what they see as a dangerous
environment.

Zafa emphasized that "the ships entering Israel’s economic maritime zone
cannot escape," as they would be prime targets for missile attacks from
Hezbollah or Hamas.

In light of these conditions, Zafa has called on Transportation Minister
Miri Regev and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to take immediate action
to bolster the ports' readiness for war. He also urged authorities to
address the severe shortage of workers at the Ashdod port, where many
employees have been called up for reserve duty.

*Read more: Eilat port CEO signals mayday for financial support amid
shipping halt
<https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/eilat-port-ceo-signals-mayday-for-financial-support-amid-shi>*
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