Netanyahu says Israel plans major naval expansion as maritime arena becomes an “international battlefield”
Middle East
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said during a visit to the Navy base in Ashdod that Israel intends to significantly expand its maritime capabilities.
He said the maritime domain has become an “international battlefield,” pointing to the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab and warning that Israel’s enemies also seek to threaten its Mediterranean waters, seaports and maritime traffic.
Netanyahu said security officials had requested additional capabilities, noting that Israel’s sixth submarine had recently arrived and that the Navy also wants more vessels and other systems.
He said Israel intends to become one of the world’s leading powers in both surface and underwater warfare and would continue protecting the country from the sea.
