Israel’s primary maritime carrier, ZIM Integrated Shipping Services, is reportedly set to be sold to German shipping giant Hapag-Lloyd in a deal valued at more than $3 billion. The agreement would mark one of the most significant changes in the history of Israel’s shipping industry and could very well address a decades-old saga with halachic implications, led by the Rebbe.

For decades, ZIM has served as Israel’s main international shipping line, transporting goods to and from ports around the world and functioning as a strategic economic lifeline. Beyond commerce, the company has long held symbolic importance as a national enterprise tied closely to Israel’s security and independence, ensuring supply routes even during times of war.

According to reports, the deal is unusual, with Hapag-Lloyd taking control of ZIM’s global operations, FIMI retaining certain Israel-based activities, and the government’s “golden share” ensuring key management remains in Israel to maintain maritime readiness and strategic oversight during emergencies.

The surprise sale sparked heated debate in Israel, catching officials off guard and prompting an urgent review of potential security and strategic implications. Transportation Minister Miri Regev immediately instructed an assessment of whether the state could intervene using its “golden share.”

The reported sale revives a historic saga led by the Rebbe. Decades ago, the Rebbe led a campaign opposing the travel of Israeli-owned passenger ships that operated through Shabbos, insisting that ships stop at ports rather than sail continuously.

At the time, ocean liners were the main link between Israel, Europe, and the United States, and many routes inevitably crossed Shabbos at sea. Israeli vessels operating across international waters created a situation in which a company that was Jewish and state-owned was inevitably an unavoidable case of chilul Shabbos.

Rejecting claims that ships could operate automatically, the Rebbe emphasized that active human labor was required, making such voyages forbidden on Shabbos. With his background in the operation of Navy ships, the Rebbe explained that the ship can’t run for 24 hours without human intervention that involves chilul Shabbos.

Working both privately and publicly, the Rebbe addressed the matter passionately and repeatedly to raise major awareness, reaching out to leading rabbonim and public figures, and pressing shipping companies to find practical solutions.

The Rebbe delved into the technical details of maritime operation, addressed attempted justifications, encouraged efforts to find solutions that would prevent Shabbos operation under Jewish ownership, and urged frum Jews to avoid such travel, using public pressure to encourage change.

The debate drew wide attention, and many attacked the Rebbe for not supporting the Israeli-owned company, instead advising people to travel with non-Jewish companies. The issue became one of the most discussed halachic subjects of its time.

If ownership of ZIM’s international fleet shifts to a non-Jewish corporation, the halachic landscape could change significantly. Concerns surrounding Jewish ownership and public Shabbos activity may be greatly reduced once control and profits are no longer in Jewish hands.

At the same time, many questions remain. Jewish employees will likely still be involved in management and operations, especially in the early stages. Israeli stakeholders may retain partial control through special shares, and some ownership interests could still be held by Jewish investors.

Each of these factors carries potential halachic implications that will need to be carefully analyzed and remain to be determined.