JERUSALEM: Benjamin Netanyahu has suggested building pipelines across the Arabian Peninsula to Israeli ports as an alternative to the Strait of Hormuz, following escalating attacks in the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran.
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Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Netanyahu said that transporting Middle East oil and gas through pipelines would bypass Iranian-controlled choke points, reducing the strategic leverage of Tehran in the Gulf. “Just have oil pipelines, gas pipelines, going west through the Arabian Peninsula, right up to Israel, right up to our Mediterranean ports, and you’ve just done away with the choke points forever,” he said.
The remarks came a day after Israeli forces targeted Iran’s South Pars gas field, a move that provoked retaliatory strikes on energy infrastructure across the Gulf and triggered a surge in energy prices globally. Netanyahu claimed that Iran no longer has the capacity to enrich uranium, although the International Atomic Energy Agency has disputed this, stating that much of Iran’s nuclear enrichment capability remains intact.
Netanyahu defended Israel’s military operations, stating that the country’s strikes aim to eliminate remaining ballistic missiles and the industrial capacity to support nuclear and missile programs. He indicated that air strikes alone would not be sufficient to overthrow the Iranian government, hinting at potential future ground operations while refraining from detailing specific plans.
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The press briefing also highlighted political tensions, with President Donald Trump reportedly asking Israel to pause further attacks, reflecting concern over rising fuel prices and global economic repercussions.
As the war enters its fourth week, Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s commitment to securing alternative energy routes and disrupting Iran’s strategic capabilities, while noting that the ultimate political change in Iran would depend on internal dynamics within the country.