Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Tuesday that ensuring the security of maritime navigation lanes and the freedom of maritime trade is a strategic objective for Israel, praising the capabilities of the naval forces and their role in protecting Israeli interests.
Netanyahu made these remarks during a visit to the Haifa naval base, accompanied by the Commander of the Navy, Major General Eyal Harel, where he received an operational briefing on the readiness of the forces and ongoing naval missions. He also met with several officers and soldiers.
Netanyahu said, "I have set a simple goal of ensuring the security of navigation lanes and freedom of maritime trade, which are crucial to the State of Israel." He added that he is impressed with what the navy has achieved so far and with the plans being implemented in cooperation with other security agencies.
These statements come amid ongoing regional tensions related to the security of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, following military confrontations between the United States and Iran. These confrontations led to disruptions in maritime shipping and the targeting of several commercial vessels before temporary agreements were reached to reopen the strait under specific security arrangements.
The region continues to monitor developments in maritime security as US-Iranian negotiations attempt to reach a final agreement aimed at stabilizing tensions and ensuring international maritime security.