In an exclusive interview with CNBC, Netanyahu argued that the impact of reduced traffic through the strait could be mitigated through alternative channels. “That’s what’s happening now. Not, it’s going to happen, it’s already happening now,” he said.
Prior to the conflict, roughly one-fifth of global oil supplies passed through the Strait of Hormuz. Despite the disruption, Netanyahu insisted that “you can make it up” through other routes.
The Israeli leader also praised US President Donald Trump for what he described as a “reverse blockade” targeting Iranian ports linked to the Strait of Hormuz. Calling the move “very effective”, Netanyahu said it had been “a stroke of genius”.
Netanyahu revealed that he speaks with Trump “once every two days”, saying the two leaders “have common goals … we want to achieve them”. However, when asked about the endgame for the conflict, he acknowledged uncertainty, saying it remained “an open question on how the war should end”.
The remarks come as tensions between Washington and Tehran intensify over stalled nuclear negotiations and Iran’s recent actions in the Gulf. Netanyahu also described Trump as the “greatest friend to Israel”, citing a series of pro-Israel measures taken during Trump’s first term, including recognising Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and brokering normalisation agreements between Israel and several Arab states.