The Hebrew economic newspaper The Marker reported that the naval blockade imposed by Yemeni armed forces is undermining the effectiveness of a strategic Israeli railway project designed to link the southern city of Eilat with central and northern parts of the Zionist entity.

Last Thursday, the enemy's so-called “Minister of Transportation,” Miri Regev, announced the project, calling it a “historic step” aimed at connecting “Israel” from Kiryat Shmona in the north to Eilat in the south via rail. “We are moving forward at a rapid pace, and everything will soon be connected. This is the only way to ease traffic congestion and improve connectivity across the country,” she said.

According to a statement from the “ministry,” the project is expected to significantly increase cargo transport to and from the port of Eilat, offering a fast and secure alternative to road transport. It is also intended to reduce heavy truck traffic and improve safety on southern roads.

However, The Marker reported on Tuesday that the feasibility study for the railway line to Eilat was based on several factors — among them, the transport of goods to and from the southern port. With the port now completely shut down since the beginning of the war due to the Yemeni-imposed naval blockade on the Red Sea, the paper noted that the actual benefits of the costly project will fall far short of what was initially projected.

The newspaper further pointed out that the economic viability of the line is “questionable,” adding that the project is “difficult to implement.” Construction is expected to take at least a decade and will likely proceed under sensitive circumstances, as environmental organizations are expected to oppose the damage it may cause to nature reserves, wildlife habitats, and natural water flows.