By: Gil Tanenbaum
Prime Minister Naftali Bennett visited the Israeli Naval base in Haifa and Shayetet 13 Naval commando unit’s base in Atlit Tuesday. He was joined by IDF Chief of Staff, Major General Aviv Kochavi, and the Commander of the Israeli Navy Major General David Saar Selma.
Shayetet 13 specializes in sea-to-land incursions, counter-terrorism, sabotage, maritime intelligence gathering, maritime hostage rescue, and boarding. The unit is trained for sea, air and land actions.
“I am glad that the government under my leadership has concluded and signed an agreement for the purchase of submarines, a strategic procurement that will serve Israel’s security for years to come,” Naftali Bennett said.
“In recent times we have seen an increase in threats in the maritime arena, shipping lanes and trade routes,” he added. “I definitely see this as a challenge, and we need to know that the goal is the State of Israel, but not only that. Therefore, I am particularly pleased about the strategic collaboration that is being forged, both with the US in joint naval exercises and with other friendships in the region.”
The Prime Minister received a comprehensive overview of the operational activities in the naval arena from the commander of the naval arm, Major General David Saar Selma. He later toured the Submarine Squadron and the Missile Ships.
In addition, Bennett, Kochavi and Selma visited the Israeli Navy Ship Magen (shield), a Saar 6 class ship. There they received an overview from the commander of the missile fleet, Col. Erez Ben Zion, about the fleet’s missions during peacetime and the protection of Israel’s shipping and maritime borders.
The Magen is one of 4 German made ships of its class sold to Israel. It is based on the German Braunschweig-class corvette, but with engineering changes to accommodate Israeli-built sensors and missiles. The Magen was commissioned in November 2020.
The Prime Minister also spoke with a number of male and female fighters serving on the ship.
Afterward, Mr. Benett visited the base of Squadron 13 in Atlit, from where he sailed to an operational ship in the middle of the sea, watched a display of the capabilities of Squadron 13 and talked with the commanders and fighters of the unit.
(TPS)
