Security Review Stalls ZIM Sale Approval

Israeli regulators are still weighing the proposed $4.2 billion sale of ZIM to Hapag-Lloyd and FIMI after security officials raised unresolved questions over national shipping control. A July 7 review says ZIM and the buyers are preparing answers to a 145-question document sent through the Prime Minister's Office after earlier government rounds. The objections center on Israel's golden share, wartime access to ships and routes, emergency cargo capacity and whether the carved-out Israeli company would stay strong enough for national needs. The review keeps maritime resilience on the table as Iran and its proxies keep pressure on regional shipping lanes.