Netanyahu Warns of Threats to Israel's Maritime Sphere

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Sunday that "enemies" of Israel "want to threaten our maritime sphere." The prime minister made these remarks during a visit to the Ashdod naval base, according to a statement released by his office. The visit, accompanied by Defense Minister Yisrael Katz, included briefings from the head of the Navy and the commander of the Ashdod base regarding challenges in the maritime arena and activities of the southern front, including security and commando units. Netanyahu and Katz were also briefed on the weapons systems used for defense and offense in the maritime domain.

During his visit, Netanyahu expressed admiration for the strength, personnel, and equipment at the base, noting in a video clip, "I am visiting the Ashdod naval base today with the Defense Minister and naval commanders, and I was impressed by the strength, personnel, and equipment."

He further commented on the growing importance of the maritime arena, stating, "We know that the maritime arena has become an international battlefield, as seen in the Strait of Hormuz and, of course, in the Bab al-Mandab." Netanyahu asserted, "Our enemies want to threaten our maritime region in the Mediterranean Sea, our ports, and maritime navigation, and of course, we will not allow this to happen." He added that he had heard from security officials that "they need more equipment."

Netanyahu revealed that a sixth submarine had arrived in Israel, and that "they want more; more ships, and more other means that I do not intend to elaborate on here." He pledged, "In this area too, on the surface and underwater, meaning Israel will be a world leader in this war-fighting domain, and we will protect Israel from the sea as well."

The report also referenced a previous Israeli Army Radio broadcast from the previous month, which stated that the military had requested an increase in its submarine fleet to eight vessels, citing the growing naval power of Turkey. The radio report highlighted that the Israeli military was monitoring Turkey's significant expansion of its submarine force in recent years, including the acquisition of advanced German-made submarines similar to those built for Israel. While Turkey currently possesses 14 submarines and expects to increase its fleet to 18, Israel has 5 submarines, with a sixth soon to be delivered. The Israeli military had reportedly submitted a report to the political echelon recommending an increase to eight submarines in the coming years, in addition to the six German-made submarines acquired recently and older vessels.