Israeli ports are experiencing a growing backlog of ships as the country prepares for a ground assault in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip. Despite the conflict, the ports continue to operate, albeit with increased waiting times due to security checks and labor shortages. Ashdod port, in particular, has reported longer waiting times. The government's efforts to privatize ports and open new ones to increase competition and efficiency could be affected by the ongoing conflict. The situation also raises concerns about the security of vital shipping chokepoints in the region, such as the Suez Canal and the Strait of Hormuz. The Marshall Islands registry has raised the security level for Israel's ports and territorial waters to their highest. Additionally, Russia has called for a UN Security Council vote on a draft resolution calling for a humanitarian ceasefire and condemning violence against civilians and terrorism.
The backlog of ships at Israeli ports is growing as the country steps up shipping supplies amid preparations for a ground assault in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip. The smaller Ashkelon port has been closed due to heavy rocket barrages, while Ashdod port has imposed restrictions on the transport of hazardous materials, resulting in slower transits. Despite the backlog, the ports are working continuously to receive cargo of all types, including cargo diverted from Ashdod and unloaded at the Port of Haifa. Leading container shipping line MSC has reported increased waiting times at Ashdod due to security checks and labor shortages. Marine war insurance rates have surged since the attacks, and there are concerns about potential disruptions to vital shipping chokepoints in the region. The Marshall Islands registry has raised the security level for Israel's ports and territorial waters.
In the midst of the conflict, navigational signals were scrambled over the Tel Aviv metropolitan area, causing disruptions and confusion for residents. The GPS interference affected numerous applications without warning, including Waze, Google Maps, Gett Taxi, Moovit, and Wolt. As a result, traffic was delayed, food delivery was disrupted, and transportation applications showed Tel Aviv residents to be in Beirut, Lebanon. The interference occurred as Israel braced for a potential revenge attack from Iran on its economic center. Tensions between the two countries have escalated since a strike on an Iranian diplomatic compound in Syria, which Iran blamed on Israel and vowed to retaliate. While Israel has not issued new security directives to its citizens since the Damascus strike, the military has paused leave for all combat units and increased manpower in its air defense units. The GPS interference in Tel Aviv raises concerns about potential cyber attacks and highlights the ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran. [3f7e3121].