Opinion Piece Calls for Revival of Ben-Gurion Canal Project as Suez Alternative

An opinion article published May 20, 2026, proposes reviving the Ben-Gurion Canal project as a shipping route between Eilat and the Mediterranean Sea near Ashkelon or Ashdod. The article states that the canal would create a new trade corridor and reduce reliance on the Suez Canal, which is currently controlled by Egypt.

It describes the project as including new ports, logistics hubs, industrial zones, and energy infrastructure along the route.

The opinion piece notes that Egypt signed a peace agreement with Israel and has maintained the Suez Canal as a major global shipping artery. It adds that the canal handles significant international trade volumes. The article references past diplomatic efforts, including the author's service as head of Israel's mission in Doha from 1999 to 2001, during which Egypt reportedly worked to limit closer ties between Israel and other Arab states.

The opinion piece argues that the Ben-Gurion Canal could generate jobs, support development in the Negev region, and create new supply-chain options for global trade. It states that even if Egypt lowered Suez transit fees, the broader economic benefits of the Israeli project would remain.

The article concludes by questioning whether Israeli leaders will advance the project despite potential regional pressure. "The writer is a former strategic planning minister in the Prime Minister’s Office.