The India-Europe-Middle East Economic Corridor is poised to reshape the landscape of the Middle East, according to the Prime Minister of Israel.

11 Sep, 2023

The India-Europe-Middle East Economic Corridor is poised to reshape the landscape of the Middle East, according to the Prime Minister of Israel.

Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has hailed the launch of the ambitious India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) as groundbreaking news for Israel, emphasizing its status as the "largest cooperation project in our history" with far-reaching implications for the Middle East and the global community.

This significant development marks the replacement of the controversial Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) from China. The IMEC was jointly unveiled in New Delhi by leaders from the United States, India, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, France, Germany, Italy, and the European Union.

In a late-Saturday night video address, Netanyahu proudly declared Israel's central role in this pioneering global project, connecting infrastructure from Asia to Europe. He extended his appreciation for the statement released by the United States, India, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, the European Union, France, Italy, and Germany.

Netanyahu's statements coincided with tens of thousands of Israelis demonstrating against the government's proposed judicial reform, fearing it could undermine the independence of the judiciary. Despite these domestic challenges, he stressed Israel's pivotal position in an unprecedented international initiative that would reshape the Middle East and have a profound impact globally.

The vision of the IMEC begins in India and traverses through the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Israel before reaching Europe. This program is seen as a potential alternative to the BRI, initiated by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013, which has faced criticism regarding its debt sustainability, especially from smaller nations.

Notably, the IMEC's announcement aligns with discussions surrounding the potential rapprochement between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Although diplomatic ties do not exist between the two nations, there have been indications of a softening stance by Saudi Arabia, including allowing Israeli airlines to use its airspace. This shift is believed to have required concessions from the United States.

Prime Minister Netanyahu described the launch of the IMEC as the commencement of a transformative project, creating an economic route from India through the Middle East to Europe. He emphasized that Israel would serve as a major hub within this economic corridor, with railways and ports acting as gateways connecting India to Europe through Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

He expressed gratitude to US President Joe Biden and his administration for their significant efforts in realizing this historic opportunity. Netanyahu highlighted that the initiative would reshape the region and facilitate the construction of trains, hydrogen pipelines, fiber optic communications, electrical cables, and additional essential infrastructure.

Netanyahu pledged Israel's full commitment, expertise, drive, and dedication to realizing this monumental cooperative endeavor, granting all government ministries the green light to collaborate in making it a reality. To expedite the vision's realization, he directed the National Security Council, within the Prime Minister's Office, to coordinate the necessary staff work and foster close cooperation with the US and other participating countries.

The IMEC represents a new era of international and regional cooperation and engagement, with Netanyahu's resounding message being, "Together we will succeed." Despite ongoing domestic challenges, including weeks of protests, Israel's leadership aims to demonstrate control over the situation and maintain economic stability. During his recent visits to Greece and Cyprus, Netanyahu hinted at the importance of the IMEC project as a source of inspiration for his country and supporters.