Haifa Port at the Center of the National Master Plan for International Trade and the Peace Rails Vision

(Haipo) – Minister of Transportation and Road Safety Miri Regev today presented the National Master Plan for International Trade and the IMEC Peace Corridors Vision, a broad-based strategic move designed to reshape Israel's position on the global trade map, with the Port of Haifa playing a central role as the central land-sea link in the regional supply chain.

Israel as an international logistics hub – the end of the era of the "island state"

The plan is designed to promote a new perception of Israel as an international logistics hub connecting continents, regions and economies. It is based on the understanding that Israel can no longer rely on a logistics “island state” model. Through the development of advanced infrastructure, a network of land and sea ports, smart transportation systems and continuous connectivity, a national system will be built that will enable functional continuity, economic resilience and a significant geo-strategic advantage for years to come. The plan is based on an unprecedented strategic opportunity arising from the IMEC trade corridor connecting India, the Gulf countries and Europe, with Israel expected to serve as the central link in this chain through the Port of Haifa – a move that will strengthen ties with the countries of the region, attract international investments and make Israel a key player in the global economy.

Director of IMEC and international activity to promote the corridor

The IMEC is headed by Moshe Ben Zaken, Director General of the Ministry of Transportation, who coordinates the work of government ministries and professional bodies to promote the strategic trade corridor connecting India, the Gulf States, Israel, and Europe. The director general of the ministry has already held several meetings on the subject in the United Arab Emirates, following Minister Regev's meetings in the United States and the Emirates. The minister also instructed the Israel Ports Company, which has led national projects of this type in the past and is currently leading the inland ports project, to promote the national master plan.

The Connectivity Revolution – A Smart and Continuous Transportation Network

A central component of the plan is the "connectivity revolution" - creating a smart transportation continuum between the seaports in Haifa, freight trains, roads, land ports and border crossings. In addition, the plan includes developing green ports, integrating artificial intelligence and cyber technologies, and maintaining competitiveness that will lead to improved service and reduced cost of living for Israeli citizens. The plan will promote land ports and advanced logistics centers that will enable customs activities, security checks, storage, distribution and cargo management in the heart of the country and near the main trade routes. This move is expected to reduce congestion at seaports, streamline the supply chain, shorten transportation times and strengthen Israel's position as a regional and international trade center.

Major projects: Jordan River, Tekoma and Chorot

Among the key projects in the plan: the "Jordan River" land port - an advanced cargo and logistics terminal that will serve as a central trade gateway for the Kingdom of Jordan and the countries of the East; the "Tekuma" center - a logistics center and land port dedicated to supporting civilian reconstruction efforts in the long term; and the "Shahoret" project in the Eilat region - a new land port that will be connected in synergy with the Port of Aqaba and will contribute to streamlining the supply chain to the south of the country, strengthening economic activity in the city of Eilat, creating new jobs and transforming the region into a strategic trade gateway between Asia, the Middle East and Europe. The "Father" plan outlines a broad national vision aimed at ensuring energy and food security, developing new growth engines in the periphery and establishing Israel as a significant international trade hub in preparation for the state's centennial.

Statements by Minister Regev and Director General Ben Zaken

Minister of Transportation and Road Safety, Brigadier General (res.) Miri Regev said: "We are leading a historic move that marks the end of Israel's 'island state' era. The master plan will create a new land-sea bridge connecting the Middle East, Europe and Asia. Through advanced infrastructure, smart connectivity and regional partnerships, we will strengthen Israel's national and economic resilience. This is a strategic move that will impact future generations and shape the future of the country." Moshe Ben Zaken, Director General of the Ministry of Transportation, added: "Minister Regev's plan presents a comprehensive logistics revolution based on long-term planning and systemic thinking. We are connecting seaports, railways, land ports and border crossings into one smart and continuous network. This investment will strengthen competitiveness, streamline the supply chain and create new growth engines throughout the country."

Chairman of the Israel Ports Company: "A move of the highest economic and security importance"

Israel Ports Company Chairman Hezi Halawaya said: "The 'Grand Plan' places Israel at the forefront of global trade and logistics. Israel Ports Company has a central role in realizing the vision, through the development of advanced maritime and land port infrastructure and ensuring functional continuity of the national supply chain. This is a move of paramount economic and security importance, which will contribute to strengthening the Israeli economy and creating long-term growth engines for the State of Israel."