Israel Pushes to Sell Its Biggest Port as China Builds Rival

Crane carrying a shipping container at the Port of Haifa.

Photographer: Ariel Jerozolimski

After years of delays, Israel is finally privatizing its largest seaport — just before it gets a serious rival next door.

Since the northern Port of Haifa was inaugurated in 1933, preceding even the state’s foundation, it has served as the primary naval gateway for everything from waves of Jewish immigrants to container shipments.