Israel turns away Russian grain ship after Ukraine alleges stolen wheat aboard

Israel has turned away a Russian-linked grain ship after Ukraine alleged the vessel was carrying wheat and barley stolen from occupied Ukrainian territory.

The ship, the Panormitis, was bound for Haifa when Kyiv formally asked Israel to seize it and inspect the cargo. Reuters reported that Israeli media said the vessel would not unload after the importer turned it away, and Euronews later reported that it was moving away from Haifa Bay.

Ukraine says the grain came from occupied territory. Israeli officials said Ukraine had not provided sufficient evidence and said the vessel had not properly entered port. AP reported that Israel had opened an investigation, while Reuters said the dispute escalated after Ukraine summoned Israel’s ambassador.

The case has become a diplomatic flashpoint between two countries that have generally cooperated on security issues. It also highlights the difficulty of tracing grain shipments from territories affected by war and occupation.

The next questions are whether Israel will launch a formal seizure or investigation and whether the cargo’s origin can be independently verified.