Why Does the Gaza War Continue, the Real Reason?

Gaza War and the Ben Gurion Canal: A Geopolitical Opportunity or Coincidence?

Hamas Attack and the Beginning of the Gaza War

The Gaza war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas and other Palestinian groups launched an unprecedented attack on Israel. The attack involved thousands of rockets, border incursions, and civilian abductions, leading to Israel’s immediate counteroffensive. Israel declared a state of war and initiated widespread airstrikes on Gaza, which later escalated into a ground invasion. The conflict has continued for months, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths and severe destruction of Gaza's infrastructure.

Is the War an Opportunity for the Ben Gurion Canal?

The Ben Gurion Canal is Israel’s long-contemplated alternative to the Suez Canal, which would connect the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea. The construction of this canal could significantly alter the geopolitical and economic landscape of the region. Some analysts speculate that Israel’s military actions in Gaza may be laying the groundwork for the project.

The devastation in Gaza could potentially allow for the canal to be built directly through the region, reducing construction costs and expediting its completion. However, Israel has not officially linked its military operations to this project, and the topic remains widely debated in international media.

Economic and Political Benefits for Israel and Global Trade

The Ben Gurion Canal could bring substantial economic advantages to Israel: Competition with the Suez Canal: Egypt’s Suez Canal is one of the world's most important trade routes. An Israeli canal could challenge Suez’s dominance and generate billions of dollars annually.
Strategic control: Israel would gain direct influence over international maritime trade, strengthening its position as a global trade hub.
Facilitating trade between Europe and Asia: A new route could shorten transit times and reduce reliance on the Suez Canal, benefiting European and Asian economies.

Security Implications and the Role of the U.S.

The canal’s construction could significantly shift the security dynamics in the Middle East:

Reaction from Egypt and Arab nations: Egypt might see the project as a threat to its economy, potentially straining relations between Israel and Egypt.
Palestinian tensions: The destruction of Gaza and potential canal construction in the region could exacerbate conflicts with Palestinians and Arab states.

Strategic benefits for the U.S.
The U.S. could gain from an Israeli canal, as it would reduce dependence on the Suez Canal, which has been geopolitically vulnerable.

Conclusion

While Israel has not officially linked the Gaza war to the Ben Gurion Canal project, many analysts suggest that the conflict may create an opportunity for its construction. The economic and political benefits for Israel and global trade are considerable, but at the same time, the project could escalate regional tensions and reshape Middle Eastern security dynamics.