by Our Correspondent in Doha
The ongoing war in Gaza has not only reignited tensions in the region but also cast a spotlight on a controversial Israeli project that could reshape global trade routes: the Ben Gurion Canal. This ambitious initiative aims to rival Egypt’s Suez Canal, with far-reaching implications for international shipping and geopolitics.
First conceived in 1963, during a time of Cold War rivalries between US-backed Israel and Soviet-aligned Egypt, the canal would stretch 260–300 kilometres through the Negev Desert, linking the Mediterranean to the Gulf of Aqaba and the Red Sea. Unlike the single-lane Suez, which causes costly delays during congestion, the Ben Gurion Canal envisions dual lanes capable of accommodating the world’s largest container ships.
The canal’s potential to disrupt global trade is clear. The Suez Canal currently handles 12% of world trade, making it a linchpin of international shipping. A competing route controlled by Israel and its allies could divert significant traffic, dealing a blow to Egypt’s economy and to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which relies heavily on the Suez. Preferential rates for Israel-aligned nations could further reshape global trade dynamics.
However, the proposed canal is fraught with challenges. Some routes suggest it could run near or through Gaza, adding to the region’s volatility and raising humanitarian concerns. The displacement of Palestinian communities and the militarisation required to secure the canal would likely exacerbate tensions, drawing condemnation from across the globe.
The canal’s history is littered with controversial proposals. In the 1960s, under the US Project Plowshare programme, scientists proposed excavating the canal using 520 nuclear explosions. While the method promised to cut costs significantly, the environmental devastation and radioactive fallout rendered the idea untenable. Today, conventional construction would cost an estimated $55–$100 billion, raising questions about the project’s economic feasibility.
Security remains another critical issue. The Houthis in Yemen have demonstrated that even small drones can cripple shipping in the Red Sea, through which the canal would flow. Combined with the threat of regional instability, these risks could deter investors and shippers alike.
The Gaza conflict only amplifies these challenges. Critics argue that Israel’s military operations in Gaza and its broader regional policies are closely tied to the canal project. Palestinian leaders have accused Israel of prioritising its geopolitical ambitions over the lives and rights of those living in Gaza.
The controversy surrounding the Ben Gurion Canal evokes comparisons to past maritime conflicts. The downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 over Ukraine in 2014 highlighted the dangers of geopolitical rivalries intersecting with critical trade routes. Similarly, Egyptian leaders have voiced strong opposition to any project that threatens the Suez Canal’s dominance.
While Israeli leaders have touted the canal as essential for the nation’s economic future, others warn it could inflame regional tensions. Former Egyptian President Anwar Sadat once said, “Peace is not merely the absence of war but the presence of cooperation. Any project undermining Egypt’s sovereignty endangers the entire region.” Conversely, former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu framed the canal as a strategic necessity, saying, “Israel must seize opportunities that ensure its survival and economic independence.”