Diaspora (Commonwealth Union) _ Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in discussions concerning the imperative need to shield global shipping and the economy from assaults orchestrated by Iranian-aligned Houthi rebels operating in Yemen. The dialogue also delved into the ongoing proposal to import Indian labourers into Israel, a measure aimed at offsetting the labour shortage caused by the departure of Thai and other foreign workers during the recent Gaza conflict.
The maritime domain has been plagued by the disruptive onslaughts launched by the Houthi militants, prompting the United States to declare a coalition to counter this imminent threat. The most recent occurrence on Monday witnessed the Houthi rebels executing drone attacks on two cargo vessels, showcasing a brazen modus operandi that includes boarding ships via helicopters and diverting them to Yemeni ports. One such vessel, with purported links to an Israeli billionaire and believed to transport thousands of cars to Israel, fell victim to these audacious tactics.
The ramifications of these attacks reverberate across global supply chains, compelling shipping companies to reroute their vessels around the Cape of Good Hope, bypassing the Suez Canal. This strategic adjustment has, in turn, triggered a substantial 40% surge in shipping costs. The consequences extend to the oil sector, with prices rebounding after a welcome five-month downturn.
Beyond maritime security, the leaders explored plans to import a substantial workforce of 50,000 to 100,000 Indian labourers. This initiative responds to the reluctance of Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza to work in Israel following the recent conflict with Hamas. The repercussions of this reluctance are not limited to Israelis but extend to a diverse foreign workforce, including Thais, Filipinos, and Nepalis, who have abandoned their workplaces in proximity to Palestinian-held or Hezbollah-dominated areas.
The Israeli construction industry, which once heavily relied on the contributions of 50,000 Palestinian workers, now grapples with a shortfall. Current makeshift solutions involve employing workers from China and Morocco, yet their numbers fall short of compensating for the missing 50,000 Palestinians. In June, during the visit of Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen to India, an agreement was inked, paving the way for the influx of 42,000 Indian workers, with a significant portion designated for the construction sector.
