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 emphasized the growing importance of the maritime arena and the need for a stronger Israel Navy during a visit to the Navy base in Ashdod on Sunday.

Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz were briefed by the Navy chief-of-staff and the commander of the Ashdod base on challenges in the maritime arena and on operations in the southern sector, including the security patrol squadron and landing craft unit.

They also viewed a display of defensive and offensive weaponry used to counter maritime threats.

"I am deeply impressed by the power, the people, and the equipment," Netanyahu said in a statement published by the Prime Minister's Office.

Netanyahu pointed to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab in the Red Sea, saying, "We know that the maritime space has essentially become an international battlefield."

Netanyahu warns of threats to Mediterranean shipping and ports

"You see this in the Strait of Hormuz, you see it of course in Bab al-Mandab, and our enemies want to threaten our maritime space in the Mediterranean as well as our seaports and maritime traffic. Naturally, we will not let that happen," Netanyahu said.

Netanyahu pledged to strengthen the Navy, saying the security establishment had made clear that additional equipment was needed.

"A sixth submarine has arrived in the country, and they want more; more vessels, and other means that I do not intend to detail here," Netanyahu said.

"But I will tell you one thing: In this field as well, both above and below the water, I intend for Israel to be one of the leading countries in the world in this type of warfare. We will also protect the State of Israel from the sea." Netanyahu said.

Security Cabinet to discuss Houthi threat, possible West Bank escalation

The visit came as the Security Cabinet prepared to convene to discuss the Houthi threat and recent developments in the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

An Israeli official said: “They are signaling that they want to draw us into the arena, and Israel needs to be prepared for every possible scenario.”

In addition, IDF Central Command is expected to present the Cabinet with a plan addressing the possibility of an escalation in the West Bank, including the possibility of the Palestinian Authority turning its weapons against Israel.