By Gloria Ogbonna
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that the ongoing conflict with Iran could ultimately transform global energy transportation, opening the door to new oil and gas routes that bypass some of the world’s most vulnerable maritime chokepoints.
Speaking during an English-language press conference as the war entered its 20th day, Netanyahu explained that Israel, in close coordination with the United States, is pursuing what he described as “achievable goals.” He expressed confidence that once those objectives are met, the region could transition toward more stable and secure energy infrastructure.
Central to his vision is the creation of alternative overland routes that would reduce reliance on key maritime passages such as the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait—both of which have long been considered strategic vulnerabilities due to their exposure to geopolitical tensions and potential disruptions.
Netanyahu emphasized the importance of ensuring uninterrupted energy flow, noting that current dependence on these narrow waterways leaves global oil supplies at risk. He proposed a post-war framework in which oil and gas pipelines would run westward across the Arabian Peninsula, directly linking Gulf energy producers to Israel’s Mediterranean ports.
According to Netanyahu, such infrastructure would provide a reliable land-based alternative to maritime shipping routes, effectively eliminating the risks associated with chokepoints. He described the concept as not only feasible but potentially transformative for global energy markets.
“I see that as a real change that will follow this war,” he stated, adding that the conflict itself may conclude sooner than many expect.
The urgency of developing alternative routes has been underscored by Iran’s recent actions targeting energy infrastructure across the Gulf region, as well as its ongoing ability to threaten shipping through the Strait of Hormuz—a critical passage through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply typically flows. These disruptions have contributed to volatility in global energy markets and rising oil prices.
Some regional producers have already taken steps to mitigate these risks. Existing infrastructure, such as Saudi Arabia’s east-west Petroline and the UAE’s Habshan-Fujairah pipeline, allows oil exports to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, helping maintain supply during periods of instability.
Netanyahu’s proposal aligns with broader strategic thinking among Israeli security experts. Amir Avivi, founder of the Israel Defense and Security Forum, recently argued that the current crisis highlights the need for expanded land-based energy corridors.
Avivi suggested integrating existing regional infrastructure—such as Saudi Arabia’s pipeline network—with Israel’s Eilat–Ashkelon pipeline. This would enable Gulf oil to travel through the Red Sea to the Israeli port of Eilat and then onward to Mediterranean terminals, creating a continuous land bridge between Asian energy supplies and European markets.
Such a corridor, he noted, could significantly enhance global energy stability, reduce dependence on vulnerable sea routes, and position Israel as a key transit hub in the international energy system.
Beyond energy considerations, Netanyahu framed the broader conflict in stark security terms. He warned that Iran’s nuclear ambitions and ballistic missile capabilities pose a serious threat to global stability if left unchecked. Drawing a historical parallel, he invoked Winston Churchill to caution that democracies often fail to act decisively until dangers become unavoidable.
Netanyahu described the prospect of a nuclear-armed Iran as catastrophic, urging swift and coordinated action to prevent such an outcome.
He also credited Donald Trump for his leadership, emphasizing that the United States and Israel are working closely together toward what he called a shared mission: safeguarding their future and protecting global civilization.
As the conflict approaches its third week, Netanyahu expressed confidence that Iran’s military capabilities are being steadily weakened and that the campaign is progressing according to plan. He maintained that both the immediate military objectives and the long-term vision for regional transformation remain firmly within reach.
Source Breitbart
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