Beyond Borders and into the Geopolitical Stakes of the Ben-Gurion Canal

As the world witnesses the escalating conflict in Gaza, triggered by the events of October 7, 2023, a significant but less discussed aspect of this conflict emerges: the Ben-Gurion Canal. This proposed maritime project by Israel, aimed at competing with Egypt's Suez Canal, is not just an infrastructural endeavor. It is a pivotal chess piece in the complex game of Middle Eastern geopolitics, with profound implications for the region and beyond.

First proposed in 2017, the Ben-Gurion Canal is envisioned as a modern, state-of-the-art waterway, stretching from the Red Sea through the Arava Valley, with Gaza positioned as a critical juncture before it empties into the Mediterranean Sea. Designed to surpass the Suez Canal in both width and depth, the canal could reshape Israel's economic landscape and significantly alter global maritime trade dynamics.

The Suez Canal, integral to the world economy, connects the Mediterranean and Red Seas and currently handles about 12% of global trade. Its strategic importance is undeniable and represents the only economic and political leverage the Arab world, specifically Egypt, holds over Western powers. However, the Suez Canal's limitations became clearly evident during the 2021 Ever Given incident, where one of the world’s largest container ships blocked the canal, disrupting the passage of over 300 ships and causing an estimated loss of $9-$15 billion in global trade. This event, coupled with the canal's limited capacity to handle traffic in one direction every six hours, underscores its vulnerability and highlights the gaps the Ben-Gurion Canal aims to fill..

The proposed Ben-Gurion Canal and the ongoing violence in Gaza are intricately connected. The surge of violence, resulting in the loss of countless lives, appears as more than just a response to Hamas. The strategic placement of the canal’s route around Gaza could lead to escalated costs and resource needs – crucial factors in global trade dynamics. This suggests that Israeli policies in Gaza may be driven by the canal project, aiming to acquire land for easier construction and quicker operation. Such a scenario underscores the prioritization of economic and strategic interests over humanitarian concerns, intertwining Gaza's fate with the canal's objectives.

The involvement of the United States, the United Kingdom, and France in the Ben-Gurion Canal project, particularly the U.S.'s contribution of nuclear technology, marks a significant shift in global dynamics. This level of support goes beyond traditional diplomatic engagement, indicating a deep strategic commitment with broad implications. Simultaneously, the notable absence of calls from these nations for a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict, despite its potential to save thousands of lives, reinforces their economic and political stance. This silence highlights a troubling preference for economic gains over urgent humanitarian needs.

Furthermore, it is perplexing that these same global powers are not directing their technological and resource capabilities towards improving the Suez Canal. Such an effort could substantially expand this essential trade route and help maintain regional equilibrium. The decision to overlook this opportunity and focus instead on a new canal project highlights the economic motivations driving their involvement in the region.

Adding to the geopolitical complexity is Saudi Arabia's ambitious NEOM project, a futuristic mega-city aimed at diversifying the nation's economy. Located near the proposed route of the Ben-Gurion Canal, NEOM hints at potential collaborative opportunities in regional development and trade. This proximity suggests that the economic futures of these regional powers are becoming increasingly intertwined with the success of the canal.

Moreover, this development is particularly striking when considering the traditional stance of Arab nations towards Israel. For years, Saudi Arabia, like many Arab countries, did not recognize the state of Israel. However, this changed dramatically on September 28, 2023, when a peace treaty was signed, marking a significant shift in regional politics. This sudden alignment with Israel, coinciding with the advancement of projects like NEOM and the Ben-Gurion Canal, implicates an underlying motive for such a shift in perspective. It is devastating to witness our own people, Arabs, not uniting with the people of Palestine at this critical time. Instead, economic interests and strategic alliances seem to be taking precedence over longstanding cultural and political solidarity.

In the evolving narrative of the Ben-Gurion Canal project, where the pursuit of economic gain and strategic dominance often overshadows peace and human rights, we are compelled to question: At what point does humanity's price become too steep in this high-stakes geopolitical game?