Netanyahu warns of rising maritime threats during Ashdod Navy base visit
During a visit to the Navy base in Ashdod, Netanyahu warned that the maritime arena had become an international battlefield and pledged to expand Israel’s naval capabilities.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the Navy base in Ashdod on Sunday to emphasize the increasing importance of the maritime domain and the need for a stronger Israeli Navy. Accompanied by Defense Minister Israel Katz, Netanyahu received updates from the Navy chief-of-staff and the commander of the Ashdod base on maritime challenges, including security patrol duties and landing craft operations.
The prime minister was shown defensive and offensive weaponry designed to counter maritime threats, and remarked, "I am deeply impressed by the power, the people, and the equipment."
Netanyahu highlighted the escalating threats in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab in the Red Sea, stating, "We know that the maritime space has essentially become an international battlefield." He warned that enemies aim to threaten Israel's Mediterranean maritime space, shipping routes, and seaports. To counter these threats, Netanyahu pledged to bolster the Navy, stating that the security establishment has signaled a need for additional equipment.
He mentioned the recent arrival of a sixth submarine and expressed a desire for more vessels and advanced capabilities. Netanyahu affirmed Israel's intention to be a leading nation in maritime warfare, both above and below the water.
The visit came amid the Security Cabinet's discussion of the Houthi threat and recent developments in the Bab al-Mandab Strait. An Israeli official noted that the Houthis want to provoke Israel and emphasized the need for Israel to be prepared for various scenarios. Additionally, the IDF Central Command was expected to present the Cabinet with a plan addressing potential escalation in the West Bank, including the possibility of the Palestinian Authority using weapons against Israel.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
