Israel starts Eilat privatisation process

On offer is a 15-year concession, with an option for a further 11 months extension. The award will be made in September and operations under a private operator are scheduled to begin next year.

Meanwhile, the Israeli government is considering construction of an island some 4.5 km off the coast of the Gaza Strip, on which a deep water port could be built to serve the enclave. It would be linked to the mainland by a causeway.

The island would be 4 km long and 2 km wide and cost up to $10bn to implement over a 6-10 year period.

At present, Gaza city has a small fishing port, but this is unsuitable for heavy cargo operations.