Zim Workers Urge Israeli Government to Halt $4.2 Billion Hapag-Lloyd Acquisition
Zim workers' committee chairman Oren Caspi urged Israeli ministers to block the $4.2 billion sale of Zim to Hapag-Lloyd, citing severe risks to national security, operational continuity, and the company's independence.
On September 17, 2026, Oren Caspi, chairman of the Zim workers' committee, appealed to the Minister of Transport, the Minister of Defense, the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Economy, and the minister responsible for the Government Companies Authority, urging urgent intervention in the negotiations for the sale of Zim to Hapag-Lloyd for $4.2 billion. In the letter, Caspi asks the government to halt the move before a final decision is made and presents a series of arguments regarding the potential consequences of the transaction.
Impact on Operations and Uncertainty
According to the committee, the extension granted to Hapag-Lloyd to submit an improved offer prolongs the period of uncertainty surrounding the future of Zim. They claim that the situation is already prompting employees to leave the company due to concerns about their employment future. Furthermore, the uncertainty makes it difficult for Zim to renew commercial partnerships and sign long-term contracts, thereby harming its ongoing operations. The committee also argues that the delay in the decision deters Israeli investors who might be interested in acquiring the company in its current state, without the involvement of foreign entities.
The committee rejects the claim that Zim's financial situation necessitates the deal. According to the workers, this claim is not supported by the numbers, and according to the latest quarterly report, Zim is a well-established international company operating in 154 countries, through 220 branches, and calling at 300 ports. Claims regarding the advantage of expanding route coverage and gaining access to slots in the Far East are also dismissed, with the committee warning that reliance on a foreign company's infrastructure could compromise its independence and create risks in the event of boycotts, hostile regime changes, or political shifts in Europe.
Strategic and National Security Concerns
Caspi's letter also addresses the security and strategic aspects of the deal. He notes that several professional bodies have already warned that the move could damage Zim's ties to the State of Israel. Among other things, it is noted that Minister of Transport Miri Regev clarified in a letter from February 2026 that legal tools must be used to ensure the deal does not materialize. The letter also mentions warnings from the head of the National Emergency Management Authority and the director of the Shipping and Ports Authority, stating that splitting the company and diluting its ties to Israel could pose a strategic threat in times of emergency.
"The contribution of Zim during the Iron Swords war stemmed first and foremost from its strength as a large international shipping company, and not just from holding a minimal number of ships," the workers' committee stated.
The committee points to an examination conducted by Maj. Gen. (res.) Giora Eiland in May 2026, which allegedly determined that the Israeli company remaining after the move would not be able to meet Israel's national and security needs. The letter also addresses the state's "golden share," arguing that formal requirements set 22 years ago were designed to prevent hostile takeovers and the breakup of Zim, but do not provide an adequate response to the state's needs in an emergency.
Caspi concludes his appeal by calling on the government not to approve the transaction, to use the golden share to protect national interests and the future of the workers, and to work to preserve Zim as an independent and strong Israeli company.
