The Zionist entity’s Eilat Port is set to close next week, according to a report by Yedioth Ahronoth, marking a significant blow to the country’s economy and maritime infrastructure. The port’s management slammed the move, warning, “Shutting down the port will be a victory for the Houthis and a loss for Israel’s economy.”
Operations at Eilat Port have been suspended since November 2023, driven by security concerns in the Red Sea—particularly near the Bab Al-Mandab Strait, a flashpoint targeted by Yemen’s Ansar Allah (Houthi) movement.
The disruption has led to an 80% drop in revenue for 2024 compared to the previous year. The port is operated by Papo Maritime, owned by the Nakash brothers.
Mounting Debt and Municipal Sanctions
The prolonged shutdown has left Eilat Port unable to pay its municipal property taxes, accumulating millions of shekels in debt. In response, the Eilat municipality froze the port’s bank accounts. Following this, the Israeli occupation’s Ports and Maritime Authority announced that the port would cease operations entirely starting Sunday. However, port officials believe the actual closure may occur later in the week.
Strategic Consequences Beyond Revenue
Beyond the economic losses, the closure has broader national implications. Eilat Port is considered a strategic asset, serving as the Israeli enemy’s southern maritime gateway.
The National Emergency Authority issued a statement outlining the wider impact: the shutdown would halt tugboat and harbor vessel operations, disrupt naval support in the Red Sea, hinder the Eilat-Ashkelon oil pipeline (used to move crude from Asia to Europe), and block potash exports from the Dead Sea, which would then rely solely on the Ashdod Port.
If the closure persists, officials warn of long-term degradation in the port’s operational capacity. The Israeli occupation’s Emergency Authority has informed the Ports Authority, Transportation Minister Miri Regev, and the so-called Israeli National Security Council of the situation.
High-Profit Auto Imports at Risk
In regular times, vehicle imports represent the port’s primary revenue stream. Over 50% of all vehicles entering Israel pass through Eilat, with 150,000 cars unloaded there in 2023 alone. This operation is considered one of the most profitable in Israel’s port system due to its efficiency and high margins.
Management Criticizes Government Inaction
Port officials expressed deep frustration with the government’s lack of support, stating, “During COVID-19, Israel bailed out airlines and fashion retailers now making millions—yet no one is willing to rescue critical infrastructure.”