China-Israel Rail Route Would Revolutionise Trade in the Middle East

A landmark initiative between China and Israel has the potential to totally change trade in the Middle East. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has travelled to China to discuss Israel’s potential to provide rail access from the southern port Eilat on the red Sea, to the Mediterranean ports of Ashdod and Haifa.

The 180 km railway would carry freight and passengers and would provide fast, safe access for trade, avoiding the Suez Canal. Israel is increasingly concerned that difficulties in Egypt could lead to blockages of the canal, which would have a devastating effect on the Israeli economy. Having a railway in place, would likely increase trade from China, India and other Asian countries to Israel and provide opportunities for trade through the Middle East to Europe. China is known to be keen to increase trade into the Middle East and beyond, and has established expertise around the world in railway infrastructure construction.

The route proposed follows an ancient trade route between Arabia and Europe. It would cost an estimated US $4 billion, and take around five years to complete. However, the route does pass through some valuable archaeological sites and nature reserves and care would need to be taken to keep the environmental damage to a minimum.