Joint Iran-Hezbollah strike could paralyze Israel’s energy lifelines, Alma Center warns

Israel faces a significant threat from a potential combined Iranian and Hezbollah attack targeting its vital energy and water infrastructure in Haifa Bay, a new assessment by the Alma Research and Education Center warns. The center highlights that strikes against civilian shipping near the natural harbor or on offshore gas rigs in the Mediterranean could cripple the Jewish state.

Israel's energy and water security heavily rely on facilities along its Mediterranean coast. More than 70% of the country's electricity is generated from natural gas extracted from offshore rigs, and over half of its water supply comes from desalination plants. Attacks on these assets could therefore have devastating consequences.

The Alma Center reports that Hezbollah, despite diminished capabilities, still poses a substantial threat to these key assets. Its shore-to-missile and naval units remain dangerous, as demonstrated by a 2022 drone attack on the Karish reservoir. While Hezbollah's arsenal primarily consists of short- and medium-range missiles, the center notes it retains limited anti-shipping cruise missiles like the Yakhont and Ghadir, and anti-shipping ballistic missiles such as the Khalij Fars.

Evidence suggests Hezbollah has been attempting to acquire advanced missile components, including the Paveh Iranian cruise missile. The center also points to past tensions over the Karish field, which Hezbollah previously declared a "red line." Despite these threats, Israel has advanced its defensive protocols, including the Saar 6 ships equipped with the Barak MX system, to strengthen its layered defenses against aerial and maritime ballistic missile threats.

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