Netanyahu at Ashdod Naval Base: 'The Sea Has Become an International Battlefield'; Israel Will Expand Its Naval Power

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday, October 4, that he intends to expand Israel's naval capabilities after hearing from defense officials about the navy's need for additional submarines, ships, and more during a visit to the Ashdod Naval Base. Netanyahu was accompanied by Defense Minister Israel Katz. The Naval Chief of Staff and the commander of the Ashdod base briefed them on the challenges in the naval arena and the operations of forces in the southern sector, including the patrol squadron and the landing craft company.

During the visit, the prime minister and defense minister were also presented with a display of the weapons the forces use to contend with threats against Israel, in both defensive and offensive operations. "The sea has become an international battlefield," Netanyahu stated, pointing to the current events in the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait and adding that Israel's territorial waters are also under threat.

He sent a message particularly addressed to the Houthis and to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who is seeking to use submarines. "Our enemies want to threaten our territorial waters in the Mediterranean Sea, our sea ports, and our maritime traffic. Of course, we will not allow this to happen," Netanyahu said. He declared that he intends to advance Israel's naval combat capabilities: "In this field too, on and under the sea, I intend for Israel to be one of the world leaders in this field of warfare." (INN/VFI News)