Israel lobbies US to oppose proposed Turkey–Saudi trade corridor
Israeli officials are reportedly lobbying the United States administration to oppose a proposed overland trade corridor linking the Gulf region to Europe via Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Syria, and Turkey.
The plan would create a major land transport route for goods, cargo, and passengers connecting Gulf states to European markets. According to reports, officials within the Israeli government argue that the project could weaken Israel’s strategic and economic position by diverting regional trade away from its infrastructure, including key ports such as Haifa.
They also claim the corridor could shift regional economic alignment toward closer cooperation among Sunni-majority states, potentially reducing Israel’s influence in the region. Some officials reportedly warned that it could also affect wider US and allied strategic interests, including initiatives previously linked to India and the United Arab Emirates.
Reports suggest that Israeli lobbying efforts have expanded contacts with Washington, including outreach to some Republican lawmakers. The initiative has also drawn attention from political figures and congressional offices, where concerns have been raised by pro-Israel advocates.
Neither the Israeli government nor the White House has confirmed the lobbying efforts. Details of the project’s funding, timeline, and participating countries have not yet been officially released.
