Israel backs Panama against China amid allegations of vessel detentions

Israel said Thursday that it supports Panama's "clear stance" following allegations that China detained Panamanian-flagged ships.

"Israel supports Panama's clear position: maritime enforcement must stay fair, technical and free from political pressure," Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar wrote on the US social media company X's platform.

"Disproportionate detentions risk global trade, costs, and trust. Upholding the rule of law and freedom of navigation is in everyone's interest," he added.

The US administration accuses China of harassing and detaining Panama-flagged vessels.

The claims came after the Central American country terminated its contract with a company from China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region that had been operating ports at both entrances of the Panama Canal.

China, however, denies the US allegations.

Two ports at the entrance and exit of the Panama Canal operated since 1997 by CK Hutchison subsidiary Panama Ports Company since 1997 became the focus of a power and influence struggle in the region after US President Donald Trump claimed that China is running the canal.

Following a ruling by Panama's Supreme Court annulling the law that granted concession rights for the ports to the Hong Kong-based company, the Panamanian government took control of the ports on Feb. 23.