The cycle of conflict between Iran and Israel continues to escalate, having initially intensified when Israel launched airstrikes on multiple Iranian nuclear facilities. In retaliation, Iran responded with missile attacks, some of which managed to bypass Israel’s missile defense systems, including the Iron Dome, and reached residential areas. According to Iran’s Ministry of Health, 224 people have been killed in Israeli strikes since Friday. At the same time, the death toll in Israel has reached 24, including civilians from Tel Aviv, Haifa, and other cities. Notably, Iran specifically targeted Tel Aviv and Haifa in its recent attacks. Iranian state television had earlier reported that dozens of missiles and drones were launched at Tel Aviv, Haifa, and other Israeli cities. Haifa, a northern coastal city in Israel, holds strategic importance due to its large port and oil refinery. This makes it a key economic and logistical hub. Beyond its strategic relevance, Haifa also has historic ties with India, particularly due to the Battle of Haifa in 1918, where Indian soldiers played a crucial role during World War I in liberating the city from Ottoman control. Let’s explore why Haifa was targeted, what strategic importance it holds for Israel, and how its connection with India adds another layer of significance in the broader Middle East conflict.
Photo of the city of Haifa after the Iranian attack
Senior journalist Harinder Mishra, an expert on Israeli affairs, is currently in Jerusalem. Haifa, the third-largest city in Israel, is located in the northern region of the country. It holds significant importance not just in terms of population but also from an economic perspective. According to him, "high-tech companies are also present in this city. Whether it's Microsoft, Google, or Intel, all major tech giants have offices in Haifa." "Haifa is also home to Israel’s largest oil refinery, which further enhances the city’s role in the Israeli economy."
Israeli emergency and security service personnel at the site of an Iranian rocket strike in the city of Haifa.
On Monday, a video was verified in which smoke could be seen rising from the Haifa Oil Refinery. The video shows plumes of smoke rising from the area where Israel’s largest oil refinery is located. The video was taken after Iran's attacks. Multiple frames from the video were reverse image searched and cross-checked with other images, confirming that the refinery had indeed been targeted. Key features visible in the video were also compared using Google Earth and archived footage of the area. According to Israeli media reports, the refinery's operator, Bazan Group, stated that it was targeted by Iranian missiles at night, damaging pipelines and transmission lines. The Bazan Group also mentioned that while the refinery continues to operate, other parts of the site have been shut down. In addition to the refinery, Haifa is home to one of Israel’s key ports, further enhancing the city’s importance. Harinder Mishra says, “Haifa’s port is very important. A lot of goods are imported and exported from there. From a historical perspective, Israel’s first contact with the outside world was established through this city.” In 2023, one of Haifa’s ports was acquired by India’s Adani Group, whose owner, Gautam Adani, is considered among Asia’s richest men and has close ties with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 70% of the port is owned by the Adani Group, while the remaining 30% is held by an Israeli business group. Harinder Mishra also notes that Haifa, with a population of around 400,000, is considered a model of coexistence. “There is a significant Arab population, including both Muslims and Christians. The city also hosts a Baháʼí religious site. Just as there is a Lotus Temple in Delhi, there is a Baháʼí Garden here as well.” Haifa is also home to the Baháʼí World Centre, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Is it possible that Iran is targeting Haifa due to its strategic importance? On this, Harinder Mishra says: “I believe Iran is targeting cities that hold the greatest strategic and economic significance. Jerusalem has not been targeted so far because it is a sacred site for multiple religions.” He claims that most of Iran’s missiles have landed in residential areas. “The Israeli military says that most of the missiles have been intercepted, but 10–12 missiles did hit residential zones, causing significant damage.” He also stated that cities like Haifa and Tel Aviv are densely populated and “are considered the backbone of Israel’s economy.” “Jerusalem is also densely populated, but due to its religious sites, Iran may have intentionally avoided targeting it, at least for now.”
Cities like Haifa and Tel Aviv are densely populated and are considered the 'backbone of the Israeli economy'.
When we talk about the India–Haifa relationship, its roots go back to a historic event in 1918. During World War I, Indian cavalry units fighting on behalf of Britain played a key role in defeating the combined forces of the Ottoman Empire, Germany, and Austria-Hungary in the city of Haifa. According to Harinder Mishra, this part of history is well-known in Israel. “This story is taught in Haifa’s schools. If you ask the children, ‘Who is the Hero of Haifa?’ they will name Major Dalpat Singh.” Major Dalpat Singh, the commander of the Jodhpur Lancers, was killed in the battle and was later awarded Britain’s Military Cross. In that battle, 44 Indian soldiers lost their lives fighting for the British.
Battle of Haifa
The event is also considered one of the last major cavalry battles in military history. Harinder adds, “The Indian Embassy and the Haifa Municipality jointly celebrate Haifa Day every year. When Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Israel, he also went to Haifa and paid tribute to the Indian soldiers.” The Teen Murti Chowk in Delhi was renamed to Teen Murti Haifa Chowk a few years ago. In a ceremony held in 2018, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also participated.
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