The ability to maintain continuity of energy supply under fire is a central component of Israel’s national and security resilience. CPA Amit Shakked, CEO of EAPC (Europe Asia Pipeline Company Ltd.), addressed the implications of the war and future possibilities at the Israel Economic Conference 2026, hosted by leading media groups Maariv, Walla, and The Jerusalem Post.
“We must look at the events we are experiencing with Iran from a broad strategic perspective, one that takes into account the tectonic shifts currently taking place in the global energy market,” Shakked noted at the conference held at the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation.
“The blocking of the Strait of Hormuz illustrates how much the global economy still depends on oil as a primary engine,” he explained. “As a result, countries are now seeking specific solutions in the form of bypass routes around the Strait of Hormuz for energy transit. For example, the Saudis are transporting fuels to the Red Sea, and from there to Asia and Europe.”
“What is important is to see the post-war picture,” Shakked added. “Those same countries will seek energy shipping routes with certainty and security, in light of the understanding that the Strait of Hormuz can no longer be relied upon. This opens up an opportunity, and this is where EAPC comes into the picture as a lever for a geo-strategic, diplomatic, and economic advantage. I hope we will know how to seize the opportunity and become a stable and secure intercontinental bridge between producers in the Gulf and consumers in Europe.”
While pointing to the significant opportunities, Shakked also warned, “It is important to remember that this is a moment of opportunity, but time is short. There are many countries in the region, such as Egypt and Turkey, that are laying bypass infrastructure, and therefore action must be taken quickly. We must adopt a more flexible policy that takes into account operational needs, but first and foremost the security needs and the energy needs of the State of Israel. Unfortunately, the response here is slower.”
Also participating in the panel was Prof. Roni Gamzu, Chairman of Migdal Insurance and Financial Holdings, who added, “There is a common denominator between being Director-General of the Ministry of Health and managing a large insurance company like Migdal—in the end, the main resource is business and operational continuity. Sometimes it is energy and sometimes it is investments. We are in a world of uncertainty, all of Europe is undergoing tremendous upheaval, and the resilience of the Israeli economy stems from the preparedness of its institutions.”
Brig.-Gen. (res.) Avi Benayahu, former IDF Spokesperson and a strategic and communications consultant, warned during the panel that “The state is lagging in its approach to green energy; we are far from the target we set for ourselves.”
Written in collaboration with EAPC