Netanyahu Warns Enemies Against Threatening Israel's Maritime Space

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on Sunday that Israel intends to expand its maritime capabilities, stating, "Our enemies want to threaten our maritime space, we will not let this happen." The statement was made during a visit to the naval base in Ashdod, where he received briefings from security officials regarding the need for submarines, naval vessels, and additional equipment. Netanyahu, accompanied by Defense Minister Israel Katz, was briefed by the head of the Navy and the commander of the Ashdod base on challenges in the maritime arena and the activities of forces in the southern theater, including the routine security unit and the landing craft company. During the visit, they were also shown a display of weaponry used by forces for defensive and offensive operations against threats to Israel. "The maritime space has effectively become an international battlefield," Netanyahu observed, referencing events in the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb strait. He asserted that Israel's maritime space is also under threat and issued a warning, primarily directed at the Houthis and the Turkish president's desire to arm with submarines. "Our enemies want to threaten our maritime space in the Mediterranean, our seaports, our maritime traffic. Of course, we will not let this happen." The Prime Minister affirmed his intention to advance Israel's capabilities in naval warfare, aiming for the nation to be a global leader in both surface and underwater combat. "I am impressed by the strength, the people, the equipment. We will protect the State of Israel, also from the sea," he concluded.