Netanyahu and Katz Visit Ashdod Naval Base, Pledge Fleet Expansion
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz visited the Navy base in Ashdod, pledging to expand the IDF naval fleet and bolster maritime security.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz visited the Navy base in Ashdod on Sunday to receive a comprehensive briefing on maritime security challenges and southern arena operations. During the visit, they inspected advanced weaponry utilized by the IDF Navy for defensive and offensive missions.
Netanyahu addressed growing threats in the maritime arena, emphasizing that the state will expand the IDF naval fleet and commit to solidifying Israel's status as a regional powerhouse. "The maritime domain has become an international battlefield in recent years, and we see this clearly," Netanyahu stated following the briefing. "Our enemies seek to threaten our maritime space in the Mediterranean, our ports, and our shipping lanes. We will not allow this to happen."
The Prime Minister also addressed new procurement requests from the defense establishment following the arrival of the sixth submarine to the Israeli fleet. He noted that defense officials are requesting additional vessels and equipment, affirming his intention to ensure Israel becomes a global leader in surface and underwater warfare.
