Central Idea

Israel’s aspirations to gain full control over the Gaza Strip and eliminate Hamas may be linked to an ambitious economic opportunity—the creation of the Ben Gurion Canal Project.

Ben Gurion Canal Project

Vision: Named after Israel’s founding father, David Ben-Gurion, the Ben Gurion Canal Project remains an ambitious infrastructure proposal.
Route: It envisions cutting a canal through the Negev Desert to connect the Gulf of Aqaba with the Eastern Mediterranean, challenging Egypt’s dominance over the Suez Canal.
History: A declassified 1963 US government memorandum explored the idea of using nuclear explosives for digging the canal.
Need: It would offer an alternative route to connect Europe and Asia, bypassing the Suez Canal.
Transformational Impact: If realized, this project could reshape global trade dynamics by breaking Egypt’s monopoly over the shortest trade route.

Historical Significance: The Suez Canal, opened in 1869, revolutionized global maritime trade by reducing travel distances between Europe and Asia.
Congestion Issues: Despite expansion efforts, the Suez Canal remains congested, causing significant delays and economic losses.
Political Conflicts: Egypt’s control over the canal has led to conflicts and wars, impacting global geopolitics.

Complexity and Cost: Building the Ben Gurion Canal is a massive and costly endeavour, potentially exceeding $100 billion.
Route Length: The proposed canal route is over 100 km longer than the Suez Canal, primarily due to terrain limitations.
Security Concerns: Constant military threats, such as Hamas rockets or Israeli attacks, would pose a significant challenge to the canal’s operation.