On Tuesday, Eyal Harel, the Commander of the Israeli Navy, issued a warning to entities seeking to alter the balance of power in the Mediterranean and Red Seas. Harel emphasized that his forces are closely monitoring movements, ready to act both "secretly and openly," amid escalating regional tensions.
Speaking at a naval officer graduation ceremony, Harel stated, "We are observing your movements and preparing... We will act secretly and openly."
Harel's remarks come amid increased tensions in the Mediterranean basin and growing Israeli concerns over shifting naval power dynamics in the region, including the expanding Turkish influence.
Harel added, "In the new naval arena, there is no longer a distant front," sending a message to those he claimed are challenging Israel from remote maritime areas.
He continued, "Distance won't protect anyone attempting to harm us," affirming that the Israeli Navy is designed to enable the military to exert force against threats even thousands of miles away.
Harel issued a direct warning to those attempting to change the power balance in the Mediterranean and Red Seas.
"To those looking to alter the balance of power in the Mediterranean and Red Seas, I say: we see these moves, we track them, and we are prepared," he stated.
He added that the Israeli Navy will not accept a reality that jeopardizes Israel's freedom or strategic interests in the maritime domain.
Concluding his statements, the Israeli naval commander reaffirmed his forces' readiness to operate beyond declared operations, saying, "We will be there, and anywhere else, openly and secretly, to fulfill our duty and mission to the fullest."
These statements come amid increased regional competition for maritime influence, stretching from the eastern Mediterranean to the Red Sea, alongside intensified Israeli scrutiny of military and strategic movements by regional powers in these areas.