Israel Slams European Inaction on Hormuz Shipping Lanes

Israel's UN envoy, Danny Danon, has expressed disappointment with European nations for their perceived lack of action in helping the United States secure international shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz. Danon stated in an interview that while allies have historically united against threats to global commerce, such as piracy off the coast of Somalia, the current situation involving Iran's influence over the strait has not elicited the same level of collaborative response.

"I'm disappointed to see, you know, the lack of leadership," Danon told The Post. "In the past, we had a similar issue, this thing in Somalia, the international community coming together, putting on a show of force and fighting piracy."

Danon noted that most nations are currently waiting for the U.S. to take the lead, with exceptions like the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain actively participating. He suggested that European countries, many of whom benefit from U.S. security support, should demonstrate greater involvement in safeguarding this vital waterway.

Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint through which approximately 20% of the world's seaborne oil passes, has significantly decreased. Recent reports indicate only 19 crossings in a 24-hour period, a sharp decline from the typical average of around 130 daily crossings before the current conflict began on February 28.

In response to threats against commercial shipping, the U.S. has been covertly escorting oil tankers through the strait, often with their transponders turned off to avoid detection. Some of these passages have recently been conducted during daylight hours in coordination with Gulf allies.

While a coalition of 40 countries, including the UK and France, convened in early April to discuss strategies for reopening the strait, they have not been directly involved in escorting vessels. This is partly attributed to a fragile cease-fire between the U.S. and Iran, which has been undermined by Tehran's continued attacks on merchant ships. The International Maritime Organization has documented at least 80 attacks by Iran on merchant vessels in the strait this year, resulting in the deaths of at least 22 crew members.