Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly expressed his commitment to safeguarding maritime trade routes in the Middle East. His remarks come amid ongoing tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, even after a recent U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at ending hostilities.
On July 7, during a visit to the Haifa naval base, Netanyahu stated, "The goal of our navy and Israel is to ensure the freedom of navigation and maritime trade routes that are vital to our country."
This statement is seen as a response to the pressure exerted by Iran and its allied armed groups on key maritime corridors. Recently, there have been attacks on oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, and in the Red Sea, Iranian-backed Houthi rebels have threatened vessels associated with Israel.
The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial transit route for oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the Gulf region, while the Red Sea serves as a major trade route connecting Asia and Europe. Disruptions in these waterways could significantly impact energy transport and global logistics.
Netanyahu's comments indicate that Israel views the maritime threats from Iran and its proxies not only as a security issue but also as a matter of economic and trade significance.
Despite the recent MOU between the U.S. and Iran, tensions over navigation rights in the Strait of Hormuz continue. Iran asserts its authority over the strait, while the U.S. and Israel emphasize the importance of free navigation.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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