In an ambitious move, Israel is moving forward on a proposed Eilat high-speed railway intended to offer a new Asian-European trade route that will compete with the Suez Canal, and thus insurance against threats in the region. It will run from Dimona to Eilat, with 63 bridges and five tunnels--including a long tunnel from the Negev plateau to the Arava valley, with tracks for both passengers and freight.
According to Netanyahu: