Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz indicated that Iran is responsible for the attack on a ship owned by an Israeli off the coast of Oman last Thursday.
Gantz stated in an interview with the Israeli Broadcasting Authority on Saturday evening, "The assessment is that the Iranians are behind the operation," but did not provide additional details regarding the incident. The Israeli Defense Minister noted that the investigation into the matter is ongoing, emphasizing that Israel is aware that Iran continues to attempt to attack Israeli facilities and citizens in every possible way. Gantz added that Israel will continue to act everywhere to defend itself.
In a related context, Israeli news channel 13 reported on Saturday evening that "assessments indicate that the Iranian navy launched two missiles at the merchant ship, causing damage to the vessel owned by the Israeli businessman." The website "Israel 24" quoted an unnamed American intelligence expert saying that the ship did not collide with a naval mine, but rather was hit on the water's surface. Israeli media reports have suggested that Iran may be behind the explosion of a cargo ship owned by an Israeli in the Gulf of Oman.
The Hebrew newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth revealed that the ship that suffered an explosion in the Gulf of Oman is owned by Israeli businessman Rami Ungar, who is the owner of "RAY SHIPPING." The report clarified that the ship, flying the flag of the Bahamas, is named "Helios Ray," owned by Ungar. Ungar told the newspaper that he currently does not know exactly what happened to the ship but mentioned, "There are holes that have appeared in the ship." He added that Israeli security agencies will investigate the matter to discover what truly happened, anticipating that the explosion was caused by "mines or missiles."
Ungar expressed readiness to believe that the attack on the ship was deliberate, stating, "I do not think it was an intentional attack on a ship owned by Israelis. However, there have been similar incidents in the Gulf. I believe they come in the context of the conflict between Iran and the United States, and that is why they target Western ships."
Earlier today, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) announced that a ship was attacked in the Gulf of Oman yesterday (Thursday), stating in the notice, "Investigations are ongoing, and the ship is safe, and the crew is in good condition." The British Maritime Trade Operations authority's statement confirmed that "investigations are ongoing, the ship is safe, and the crew is well," without providing details on the cause of the explosion. They advised vessels sailing in the area to exercise caution.
Global maritime security company "Dryad Global" identified the ship in question as "MV Helios Ray," a car transport ship owned by "Helios Ray Limited," which is an Israeli company registered on the Isle of Man. According to "Dryad Global," "the ship was en route to Singapore from Dammam, Saudi Arabia."
