Israel Rejects US Inspection of Haifa Port

Israel has rejected a US proposal to conduct a comprehensive security check at Haifa Port, due to Washington’s concerns about Chinese companies ’contribution to expanding the port.

The Israeli newspaper "Haaretz" said today, Monday, that the American proposal was submitted last year, against the background of criticism in the US Department of Defence (known as the  Pentagon) against Israel because of China's participation in the Haifa Port expansion project.

The United States of America (USA) fears the possibility that these Chinese actions would constitute a loophole to implement technological monitoring of what is happening in the port, and to collect information on the activity of the Israeli Navy and its joint activities with American ships.

The newspaper added that the USA warned Israel against continuing its cooperation with China, and also warned that the ships of the American fleet would stop docking in the port of Haifa.

According to the newspaper, differences between Israel and the USA in this regard still haunt the relations between the Israeli and American security institutions in the two countries.

US officials repeatedly raised their reservations about “the expansion of Chinese influence in Israel,” and warned that this influence constitutes a threat to US strategic interests in the Middle East.

Haaretz quoted a report issued by the American Jewish Institute for National Security (JINSA), that "the United States needs the help of its allies, as it seeks to reduce its presence in the Middle East and reduce its economic dependence on China.

Israel plays a central role in protecting American interests." In the region, and it could help maintain the US’s global leadership position through a close relationship with its economy that is based on renewal.

Nevertheless, if Chinese investments in Israel remain unaddressed, this could impede the strategic partnership and pose a threat to Israel's economic security.

The report considered that "China is investing in Israeli companies and acquiring Israeli technology in order to raise its military and industrial status and increase its influence.