Israel’s Ministry of Transport is planning to purchase a port in Cyprus to provide a checkpoint to inspect aid destined for the Gaza Strip.
According to Israeli newspaper, Yedioth Ahronoth, Minister Miri Regev dispatched a delegation led by the head of the government-owned Israel Ports Company, Uzi Itzhaki, and members of the Shipping and Seaports Authority to Cyprus on Monday.
The delegation has been instructed to consider opportunities to buy a port on the island.
Israel has estimated that the port, located on the Greek side of the island, will cost about $150 million.
However, plans for the purchase are still at an early stage and must be presented to the Israeli Knesset and the government for approval.
The purchase is reportedly part of Israel’s efforts to find maritime solutions for the supply of goods should security risks rise at Haifa port due to conflict arising in the north.
It could also serve as a checkpoint to inspect goods before they arrive at the upcoming new US-built port located on the Gaza coastline.
