Two competing plans are vying to establish a major overland trade route that would bypass the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz, through which much of the world’s oil passes. The first, championed by Turkey and Saudi Arabia, would run through Jordan and Syria. The second, being promoted by Israel, would route goods through Gulf states, Jordan and the Israeli port city of Haifa. However, whilst Israel continues to deliberate, Turkey and Saudi Arabia this week signed a memorandum of understanding that could cement their advantage in what is shaping up to be a multi-hundred-billion-dollar competition for Middle Eastern commerce.The agreement between Ankara and Riyadh represents a significant strategic move that could reshape regional trade flows and economic influence. For Israel, the development underscores the urgency of advancing its own corridor proposal, which would position the country as a crucial commercial hub connecting Asia, the Middle East and Europe. The Strait of Hormuz, controlled by Iran, has long been viewed as a potential vulnerability by regional powers seeking alternative trade routes. Whichever route ultimately prevails could determine economic dominance in the region for decades to come, making this competition far more than a simple commercial matter.

Source: Ynet — Original article in Hebrew.