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Israeli warships send message to Iran
Ed Harris16 Jul 2009
Two Israeli warships have sailed through the Suez Canal in a move that appeared to be a new signal to Iran that Israel could swiftly extend its reach to its nuclear neighbour.
Use of the Egyptian-controlled strategic waterway, which links the Mediterranean to the Red Sea, means that the Israeli navy could reach waters off Iran within days, instead of taking a much longer route around Africa.
Observers say that although Israeli vessels regularly use the canal, the recent moves have, unusually, been publicised by Israel. Shlomo Brom, of the Israeli Institute for National Security Studies, said: "I believe the news was likely leaked on purpose in order to signal to Iran that Israel has the capability of reaching them."
Two of Israel's Saar class missile boats passed through the Suez Canal and into the Red Sea yesterday. Israeli defence officials said the move was connected to "the navy's recent activities around the Red Sea".
Israel considers Iran its most serious threat, pointing to Tehran's nuclear programme, its support for anti-Israel militant groups and aggressive statements by its hardline president.
Israel believes Iran is developing nuclear weapons - a charge Iran denies - and has refused to rule out military action if Iran pushes forward with its atomic programme.
This month, Israeli defence officials said one of the navy's Dolphin class submarines had also sailed to the Red Sea through Suez.
Some foreign media reports say Dolphins can fire nuclear-tipped cruise missiles and serve as Israel's deterrent "second-strike" capability, allowing Israel to launch nuclear weapons from afar even if the country itself is targeted by a nuclear attack.
Egypt's foreign minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit said that under a long-standing treaty, warships can freely sail through Suez as long as they have no hostile intentions against the state that owns the canal.
He declined to say whether the manoeuvre was aimed at sending a message, saying: "I don't want to analyse an issue that I am not fully aware of."
Reader views (11)
So, Kevin, it seems I hit the nail on the head with my qualifying statement, "That, by the way, requires little or no research (except on the part of those who don't know the least bit about what they are talking about)".
- Rogan, Irving, 16/07/2009 21:43
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Kevin of Roehampton, do you have to keep using sarcasm in your posts? I have to respond to your statement that the palestinians had their 'country stolen from them'.
Both you and I know that there was never a state, with a leadership, a currency or a constitution, called palestine. There was certainly a geographical area called the British Mandate of Palestine (1920–1948), 3/4 of which was gifted by us to Emir Abdullah, who was in fact from Hejaz, now known as Saudi Arabia. Funny how no one refers to Jordan as Palestine now, isn't it?
- Mike B, London, 16/07/2009 18:01
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Rogan,Irving, I can see you are a very reasonable man, after all whats wrong with exiling the Palestinians & sentencing them to a life of misery, just to salve the guilty conscious of the west. And,unfortunatly 'nast old Hamas' (along with the Iranians) also appear to feel that the Palestinians have suffered an injustice (Having their country stolen from them), and, will not accept the situation. Can you blame them?
- Kevin Sullivan, Roehampton, London., 16/07/2009 16:59
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Carla, like it or not, and I suspect that you don't, Israel was established out of the British Mandate by the United Nations.
As soon as Israel declared independance it was attacked directly by Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq with additional troops from Morocco, Sudan, Yemen and Saudi Arabia.
- Mike B, London, 16/07/2009 16:31
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Kevin of Roehampton, why should Frank mention the palestinians? His comments on Iran are spot on however, as the Saudis will be happy to confirm for you.
By the way, what do you make of the reports that came out of Tehran of Hamas men being used to attack Iranians at recent demonstrations?
- Mike B, London, 16/07/2009 15:24
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Iran is a threat to the Arab world by trying to create chaos in Lebannon, Egypt and among the Palestinians. Iran is the one who stand behind Iraq terror attacks and they do not let the Iraqies to get their life back. On behalf of the Arab world, remove Ahmadinijad and the Ajatulaas and return Iran to the Iranians.
- Alan, London, 16/07/2009 15:12
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Kevin Sullivan, the alternative to having the "nasty old Hamas, and, the PLO" being opposed by Israel is having no Israel at all - something the Israelis, oddly enough, would take exception to. There is no half way meeting of minds on the matter.
That, by the way, requires little or no research (except on the part of those who don't know the least bit about what they are talking about).
- Rogan, Irving, 16/07/2009 15:11
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Iran ever attacked it another country unlike triger happy thieving israel.
Its outragues that Israel doesnt abide by international law including its own nuclear arsenal but demands eevryone else to.
The hypocrisy of the israeli people knows no limits.
Wana attack they do it on your own
- Carla, London, 16/07/2009 13:33
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I wouldn't be surprised if Egypt would welcome the neutering of Iran's nuclear threat by Israel.
- Adam, Harrow, UK, 16/07/2009 13:11
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Frank, Home Countries, England, Following your exceptionally well informed, and, researched comment, I am amazed that you forgot to mention that the majority of Palestinians in Gaza, and, the West Bank really want to be incorporated into the State of Israel, and, only nasty old Hamas, and, the PLO(though,in many peoples eyes covert supporters of the scheme)through force, stop the Palestinians from making this joyful proclaimation!
- Kevin Sullivan, Roehampton, London., 16/07/2009 12:36
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Iran is a threat to it's fellow Muslim neighbours as it is to Israel. Do you really think the Middle Eastern countries wants the likes of Iran throwing nuclear weapons around?
The majority of Iraqis have been killed by insurgents who are funded and armed by Iran.
- Frank, Home Counties, England., 16/07/2009 09:31
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