NYN | News
Israel is entering a new phase of crisis after Iranian strikes successfully knocked Haifa’s refineries out of service, causing partial paralysis in the energy sector and triggering widespread disruption in supply chains.
Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen confirmed on Wednesday that the Haifa refineries, which were completely shut down due to Iranian missile attacks, will need about a month to partially resume operations. He noted that the Israeli government is urgently considering increasing fuel imports to offset the shortfall.
In a statement reported by the Hebrew-language economic newspaper Calcalist, Cohen said that the Bazan oil complex in Haifa would not be able to return to full operational capacity in the near term, adding that even partial restoration may take weeks—placing immediate pressure on Israel’s economy.
On Monday evening, Bazan Group announced it had halted all operations at its Haifa refineries after its power and steam station was directly hit in one of the Iranian strikes targeting vital infrastructure since the escalation began.
Cohen also mentioned that a fuel tanker was purchased yesterday as part of an emergency plan to ramp up imports, as Israel faces increasing pressure to secure essential supplies amid its ongoing open war with Tehran.
It is worth noting that the Iranian strike that disabled Bazan’s facilities not only hit oil infrastructure but also shook public confidence in the government’s ability to protect the home front.
With residents suffering from fuel shortages and critical supply disruptions in northern cities, widespread frustration is being voiced across social media and Hebrew-language media platforms—alongside growing accusations of government negligence in protecting strategic assets.
Observers warn that the gap between political leadership and the domestic front may widen if such strikes continue, particularly since energy infrastructure is considered a red line in Israeli security doctrine. Attacking it sends a direct message: Israel’s heartland is no longer beyond the reach of war.
