The Hidden Danger: How Electric Vehicles Became a Security Concern in Israel’s Ports

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran exposed a previously unforeseen vulnerability: the risk posed by electric vehicles (EVs) stationed at Israeli ports. Recognizing the potential for significant damage during air strikes and missile attacks, authorities took immediate action to protect critical infrastructure. The concern was that EVs, if hit, could ignite, leading to fires that are difficult to contain due to the phenomenon of thermal runaway. This is when individual battery cells catch fire, spreading rapidly. This could cause substantial damage to key ports like Haifa and Ashdod, which are essential for the country’s economy. The decision to order the evacuation of EVs from these ports was a proactive measure to mitigate the risk of extensive damage and disruption.