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38JSC/1579/MP/1
MARITIME POWER OF ISRAEL

Reference:

A. JSC LM No JSC/38th/03 dated 30 September 2011

B. JSC LM No JSC/38th07 dated 27 September 2011

INTRODUCTION

“The elements of sea power are by no means limited to combat craft, weapons and trained
personnel but include the shore establishment, well sited base, commercial shipping and
advantageous international alignments”

E. B. Potter
Writer and Naval Historian

1. Little over a century back the term maritime power meant the ability or the power
possessed by a nation to project its military sea arm for the purpose of maritime control. But
in today’s world the Maritime power is the military, political and economic power exerted
through an ability to use the sea. Maritime power of nations may be enumerated by its
geographical position, physical conformation including natural productions and climate,
extent of territory, number of population, character of the People and the character of the
government, including therein the national institutions. 1 Approximately seventy percent of
the world’s population lives within one hundred miles of the coast line. The sea, therefore,
gives vital strategic access to the centre of the population and therefore to the government.

2. The Mediterranean Sea is the cross road where the Africa meets Europe and
Europe meets Asia. It remains as an important route for merchants and travelers since the
ancient times that allowed for trade and cultural exchange between emergent peoples of the

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region to take place. For the three quarters of the globe, the Mediterranean Sea is similarly
the uniting element and the centre of World History. 2 Even today, the majority of the regional
trade is done through the Mediterranean Sea. It raises the prerequisite of a formidable
maritime power both in terms of economy and military to secure the large Sea lines of
communication (SLOC).

3. Israel, located at the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea, exerts a considerable
maritime power in the region. Ever since its creation in 1948, Israel considered the sea as
their only life line for economy and trade. Their dependency on the foreign market and
particularly the energy source has made them predominantly vulnerable to the blocking of
sea lanes by their adversaries. In the recent past, attack on their surface vessel and
disputes with their two flanking neighbors over the EEZ claim has even highlighted the
necessity of a dominant sea power. By their precedent history and modus operandi it is well
understood that Israel will, therefore, maintain a plausible maritime power to ensure
progress and prosperity and will deter anyone who threatens its national and maritime
interests and if deterrence fails, will provide an effective military response.

4. This paper will draw attention to the maritime background of Israel and its geographic
and demographic dynamics. There after the sources and elements of maritime power and
the geostrategic importance for Israel to have maritime power. Subsequently, a study on the
foreign and military policy to determine its maritime strategy with little light on the navy itself.
Finally an analysis of the possible impact on the region and few lessons learned for
Bangladesh. In course of preparation of this paper the team will consult the open source
material from the internet and available books focusing Israel’s maritime purpose.

AIM

5. The aim of this paper is to analyze the maritime power of Israel.

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MARITIME BACKGROUND OF ISRAEL

6. The maritime heritage of the people of ancient Israel can be traced long back since
the second millennium BC. During that time a group of people from the Dan tribe, one of the
twelve ancient tribes of Israel, sailed into the eastern Mediterranean and caused political
unrest and attempted to enter or control Egyptian territory during the late 19th dynasty and
especially during Year 8 of Ramses III of the 20th Dynasty reigning from 1186 to 1155 BC.
They, as considered to be the Sea People, were a confederacy of seafaring raiders believed
to be attested in Egyptian hieroglyphics found in the Obelisk Temple at Byblos which is in
modern day Lebanon.3 Later on during the reign of King Solomon from 971 to 931 BC the
sea fearing heritage of ancient Israel was even more evident. As it was stated in the 1 Kings
Bible that, “King Solomon also built ships at Ezion Geber, which is near Elath in Edom, on
the shore of the Red Sea. And Hiram sent his men, sailors who knew the sea to serve in the
fleet with Solomon’s men.”4

7. In recent, years within the last few decades the world has witnessed Israel’s
balanced economic growth and consistent prosperity in trade and commerce which remains
largely sea borne. Their shipping corporations, one of which is the 10 th largest of the world,
rule the trades in major ports and their ships can be found in the major sea routes
throughout the world oceans. This signifies modern Israel’s maritime understanding and
heritage. To contribute to this maritime understanding, there is the Navy and it’s fighting
legacy. It can be traced back since the beginning of independence. Since then state of
Israel and its navy were subjected to numerous actions ranging from regular skirmishes to
full scale naval battles where they have seen victories as well as defeat. Their first official
naval engagement took place on 19 October 1948 when the Israeli naval vessels engaged
an Egyptian corvette Emir Farouq and three spitfires. 5 Some of the other mentionable
events are the capture of Egyptian destroyer Ibrahim al Awal during the Sinai Campaign of
19566, sinking of Israeli destroyer Eilat little after the Six Day War in 1967, a revolutionary
and decisive victories over the Syrian and Egyptian navy in the Battles of Latakia and Baltim
during the Yum Kippur war of 1973 7 and more recently missile attack on corvette INS Hanit

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off Lebanon coast by Hezbollah fighters during the 2006 Lebanon war. 8 It is well understood
that the maritime understanding and inheritance of the people of Israel since the ancient
time along with their fighting legacy has made them a proficient sea fearing nation. Some of
the above mentioned ships are shown at Annex A.

GEOGRAPHIC AND DEMOGRAPHIC DYNAMICS

8. Israel is located at the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea in Western Asia. It is
bounded to the north by Lebanon, the northeast by Syria, the east by Jordan and the West
Bank, and to the southwest by Egypt, with this border also being the border between Asia
and Africa. To the west of Israel is the Mediterranean Sea, which makes up the majority of
Israel's Coastline and the Gaza strip. Israel has a small coastline on the Red Sea in the
south approximately 15 km which is also the narrowest point of the country. The land
territory of Israel measures 424 km from north to south and, at its widest point 114 km, from
east to west. It has a land frontier of 1,017 km and a coastline of 273 km.9 A map showing
the territories of the state of Israel is attached at Annex B.

9. According to the Israel Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS), the State of Israel has a
population of approximately 7,746,000 inhabitants of which 75.4% are Jewish (as of May
2011). Most of the populations have settled in major coastal cities namely Haifa, Tel Aviv
and Ashdod. Though majority of the population is involved in the Industrial, technological,
telecommunications, tourism and diamond sectors but also a considerable amount of
people, approximately 2.7 millions, are engaged in agriculture and commercial fishing. 10
Israel imports substantial quantities of grain each year for its population. The movement of
bulk cargo by sea, basic food stuff as well as minerals is most essential for the survival of
the country and its people.

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MARITIME RESOURCES AND ELEMENTS

Living Resources

10. Fishery. Although Commercial fishing in the eastern Mediterranean has declined
significantly due to depletion of fish reserve but fishery still remains an important part of
Israeli economy and agriculture. Total consumption of fish of the State of Israel in recent
years has been around 65,000 tons of sea fish and presently, the fish exporting industry in
Israel amounts to over $12 million in net profit. 11 Today various well developed fish harbours
can be found in and around Israel. Some mentionable ones are Tel Aviv Jaffa fish harbor
and the fishing port of Ashdod.

11. Coral Reef. Coral reefs are known to be among the most productive form of
ecosystems in the sea. The coral reefs along the coast of Eilat, in the Gulf of Aquaba
remain relatively pristine and the area is recognized as one of the prime and popular diving
destinations in the world. About 250,000 dives are performed annually in Eilat's 15 km
coastline and diving represents 10% of the tourism income of this area. 12

Non Living Resources

12. Hydrocarbons. Over the years the technological advancement in hydrocarbon

exploration has enabled Israel to employ indigenous effort in gas and oil mining. The rich
seabed of the Mediterranean has blessed Israel with abundance of hydrocarbons namely
natural gas and oil. Presently Israel has number of active as well as reserve fields both off
shore and on shore. A detailed chart of all the hydrocarbon fields (both oil and gas) of Israel
is given at Annex C.

a. Active Fields. Currently Israel is heavily engaged in off shore drilling and
gas exploration. They run number of gas fields within their territorial sea. They are
are Gaza Marine gas field off Gaza coast (largest active field in Israel totaling 1.5

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TCF), Nir gas field (274 BFC), Mari-B gas field (1.2 TCF), OR gas fields (107 TCF),
NOAH and NOAH South gas fields (having a combined capacity of 300 BCF). In
addition to these Ashdod oil field and Shiqma gas field are located at the coast of
Ashdod and near Gaza respectively. A detailed map showing the offshore
hydrocarbon resources is attached at Annex D.

b. Reserve Fields. The recent successful exploration of Gas and oil field in
the Levantine Basin, which includes discovery of the Tamar and Leviathan fields, has
prompted speculation that other similar discoveries stand to be made along the
coastline of the eastern Mediterranean. The Tamar field, located 90km off (55 miles)
the coast of northern Israel, was the world's largest gas find in 2009. Production is
expected to begin within three years. The discovery of the Leviathan field in 2010,
located 45km farther out to sea, was said to be the largest deep water natural gas
find in a decade. The US geological survey estimates a mean of 1.7 million barrels of
recoverable oil and a mean of 25 trillion cubic feet of recoverable gas in the
Levantine Basin.13 Exploratory drilling is presently under way. It is estimated that
these fields will not only allow Israel to meet the domestic requirement but will allow
her to export to the foreign countries. 14 It is evident that export of sea-borne energy
resources will allow Israel to contribute to it’s already sky rocketed economic growth.
A map showing the reserve fields is given at Annex E.

Port and Harbour Facilities

13. General. Ports and harbours are the most essential element of a nation for its
trade and commerce to flourish. They keep the country’s economic wheel spinning and act
as the nation’s door step to the rest of the world. Establishing this fact, the tiny state of
Israel has three major international sea ports two of which is in the Mediterranean and one
in the Red Sea. These three ports are briefly discussed in the following subparagraphs:

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a. Haifa Port. The Port of Haifa is the largest of Israel's three major
international sea ports which lies on the southern shore of Haifa Bay. It has a natural
deep water harbor which operates all year long. It is also one of the largest sea ports
in the eastern Mediterranean in terms of freight volume, handling well over 22 million
tons of cargo in 2010 including 1.27 million TEUs. 15 It is connected with a railroad
freight terminal which is used for transporting goods across the country. This port
also maintains facilities for the United States Sixth Fleet. 16

b. Ashdod Port. Located just 40 km from Tel Aviv, it is the closest port to
the country’s major commercial centers and highways. Ashdod Port has been
operating since 1965 and is one of the few ports in the world built on open sea.
Ashdod Port handled around 808,700 TEUs in 2007 amounted to 16.2 million tons.

c. Ashkelon Port. Founded in 1968 by the Eilat Ashkelon Pipeline Co. Ltd.
(EAPC), Ashkelon port is a private venture which serves as a land bridge for
transporting crude oil from the Red Sea to the Mediterranean and vice versa. The
crude oil pipeline system consists of 3 separate pipe lines. The largest one being the
254 km long that links the Red Sea Port of Eilat with the Mediterranean Port of
Ashkelon. The two other lines feed the oil refineries in Haifa and Ashdod.

d. Eilat. The Port of Eilat is the only Israeli port on the Red Sea, located at the
northern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba. This port has significant economic and strategic
importance since it allows trading with Far East countries and more importantly it
allows Israeli shipping to reach the Indian Ocean without having to sail through the
Suez Canal. It is to be mentioned that Egyptian naval blockades of the Straits of
Tiran, which control access to Eilat, featured prominently in the events which led to
two major Arab-Israeli Wars: The Sinai War and the Six-Day War.

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Merchant Marines

14. The economy of Israel relies heavily on foreign markets, both for imports and
exports, which are largely carried out by the private as well as state owned merchant
marines. Today the state owned shipping corporation musters about 18 ships (16 container
ships, 01 cargo ship and 01 chemical tanker) 17 totaling about 845,053 metric tons. Private
owned Israeli shipping industries, on the other hand, are in fact is the largest contributor to
the Israeli maritime trade and commerce. Israeli national owned Zim Integrated Shipping
Service is the largest shipping company in Israel and the 10 th largest in the world 18
consisting of nearly 100 vessels and totaling over 2.2 million metric tons and making calls to
180 ports.19 Other renowned shipping companies are Emco Marine Limited and Carmel
International Shipping Service Limited operating to and from Europe, America, Asia and Far
East. Numerous number of merchant shipping, operated and owned by other Israeli private
companies, are placed under the foreign ‘flag of convenience’ for easy access to foreign
ports.

Maritime Trade

15. As of summer 2011, Israel has the 22nd largest economy of the world.20 Since 2006,
Israel’s export grew by 11%.21 Today Israel’s export reached approximately 80 Billion
Dollars.22 Israel's chief exports include cut diamonds, jewelry, computer software, integrated
circuits, printing machinery, telecommunications equipment, defence technologies, military
hardware and agricultural products. On the other hand they rely heavily on imports for fuel
oil, food grains, defence equipments, different raw materials for their industries, wheat,
industrial machineries and automobiles. Almost all of the trades are carried out through sea.
For consistent growth and steady economic prosperity their sea routes, which act as the
vital artery of their economy and the country itself, must be protected from any aggression
or blockade.

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Ship Building and Repair

16. The state of Israel has only one ship building facility known as ‘Israel Shipyards’
which is one of the biggest in the eastern Mediterranean. 23 Its facilities are located at the
Kishon Port (part of the Port of Haifa complex) which include a floating dry dock with 20,000
tons of lifting capacity and a 900 meters long wharf with 12 meters of water depth. The
company was founded in 1959 by the State of Israel to build military and civilian ships and
privatized in 1998. Presently it manufactures Saar 4.5 and Saar 4 missile boats, Shaldag
fast patrol boats, offshore patrol vessels, freighters and tugs. It has manufactured warships
for foreign buyers like Greece, Mexico, Nigeria and Sri Lanka.

GEOSTRATEGIC IMPORTANCE FOR ISRAEL TO HAVE MARITIME POWER

Israel from Geopolitical Stand Point

17. The establishment of the state of Israel took place on 14 May 1948. Although
recognized by most of the countries in the world, the state of Israel currently has no trade or
diplomatic relations with 36 UN member states 24 19 of whom are the members of the Arab
League and more importantly 10 of whom are either neighbouring (Syria and Lebanon) or
littoral states of Mediterranean and Red Sea (Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Saudi
Arabia, Yemen, Sudan and Somalia). Recent political turmoil of Egypt, Syria and Libya and
an existing cold diplomatic relation with Turkey over the Gaza Flotilla issue has made the
Israeli geopolitical position an unstable and volatile one. A map showing the countries that
do not recognize the state of Israel is given at Annex F.

18. Israel’s neighbours are at the peripheral reaches of the arterial shipping lanes of the
two seas, the Mediterranean and the Red Sea. The strategic lanes at the Mediterranean
can be severed at many points where as the lanes in Red Sea can be severed particularly
easily at the Bab al Mandab or South of the Sinai at the entrance of the Suez and Eilat

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Gulf.25 Considering the geostrategic location Israel is wedged between north and south with
only expanse to West. From a geopolitical stand point, Israel resembles an island,
surrounded by lands of hostile countries with one free egress being the sea.

Threats possibilities: A Naval Siege

19. Israel’s land encirclement and dependency on the foreign import, specially the
energy resources, have made it highly vulnerable to the blockading of sea lanes. Since the
state’s establishment there have been great possibilities of a cut off of the sea lanes and in
such prevailing circumstances of encirclement with maritime egress as the only resource in
the ring of encirclement, and it too, partly subjected to the control of the hostile countries. It
has been considered that the Israeli shipping lane can be harmed in the three possible
ways:

a. Shipping in the Suez Canal, this is indeed an international waterway but is

entirely under Egyptian sovereignty. It is to be mentioned that Egypt is in the state of
“cold armed peace”26 with Israel.

b. Shipping in the strait of Tiran, which controls entry to the Gulf of Eilat (Gulf of
Aquaba).

c. Disruption of shipping in the Mediterranean.

20. The boundary of the territorial water, being much smaller for Israel to venture with its
maritime assets, proves inadequate for intelligence, observation and communication. In this
regard the neighboring and the North African adversaries constitute a potential threat in the
maritime context. The distance between maritime areas within which Israel is wedged and
the relatively short coast line of Israel enables access for the purpose of attacking coastal
installation as well as vital shipping in short time span of a single night.

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21. Israel, on the other hand, has two naval ports in the Mediterranean out of which only
Haifa can serve as a base for its main force (missile boats and submarine). 27 The
Mediterranean is the vital marine arena for Israel both because of the deployment of Israel’s
strategic infrastructure along its coast and the vital cargo lane. In the Mediterranean
because of the disparities of temperatures between the different water levels, constitute a
very convenient range for submarine activities. 28 The land shelf gradients and the valleys
near the anchorages enable them convenient and extremely close access to the harbour
entrances for the purpose of mine laying and ambushes.

MARITIME STRATEGY OF ISRAEL

Background Analysis

22. The strategic depth of Israel is always been a vital consideration for the military and
the political decision makers. The existence of the state itself will be at stake if being
attacked first. The absence of the vital tactical fall back option and the destruction of the
second strike capability in a single blow have always encouraged Israel to be the first to
draw blood. Israel, being the most significant allay of USA in this region, even ignored the
US threat of deprivation of military and diplomatic support in case of being the first to launch
an attack, as seen in 1967 where it launched a preemptive attack on the combined Arab
force (Six days war).29 But during the 1973 war it was seen that, Israel preferred to wait and
act in response as the strategic depth changed so did the strategic response as it occupied
and acquired territories from its adversaries. A study has shown that, in case the Arab
Forces attacked first, Israel will be left only with the limited resistance option on land and the
air superiority and support for the land and naval forces will be literally wiped out. 30

23. The occupied territories of Gaza and west bank, Golan Heights, Sheba farm,
Southern Lebanon (withdrawn in 2000); Sinai (withdrawn after Camp David Treaty) 31 was
the attempt to achieve the strategic depth. But in the present day context these occupied
territories pose an economical burden due to the constant deployment of defense forces.

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Israel Defense Force (IDF) depends heavily on its volunteer reserve along with the regular
forces. The compulsory military training and compulsory military service contributes in this
regard. But due to the ill preparedness and lack of professionalism, these voluntary forces
cause increased number of casualties and country wide resistance. 32

24. Since confronting in all the fronts is not a viable option for Israel, it has adopted for
the ‘soft target first strategy’. The peace negotiation with Jordan and a sustained peace
agreement with Egypt along with the non militarization of Sinai gave Israel a breathing
space to deal with the Lebanon and Syria. But the quest for the strategic depth and the
second strike capability option had always been a major consideration for the Israeli
strategist. This pursuit for very important strategic depth forces Israel to look towards the
sea area as the viable place for the future battle space in case of emergency. The existing
modernization and expansion programme of the Navy is the very proof of this statement.

Maritime Strategy

25. General. Israel’s realization for a viable Maritime Strategy was advocated by the
navy after the 1973 war.33 The trade and economic activities and an established logistic
channel with its allies will only be possible through the sea lines. The massive air lift of
weapons and armaments by US, which was possible during the 1973 War, will not be a
permanent solution for Israel in a sustained crisis. So for this secured channel in the sea,
Israel policy makers move their focus from a coastal navy to a Navy with a ‘first attack’ and
resistance capability. The improvisation and modernization of naval fleet, ship building and
development in the military hardware technology is an endeavor to be a strong maritime
nation.

26. Peace Time Strategy. The Mediterranean is the place of interest for Israel, her
potential enemies and also for the superpowers. To achieve a rightful share of the sea,
Israel worked out the maritime boundary demarcation with her neighbors. In process she
resolved the maritime boundary demarcation issue with Cyprus but the issue remains

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unresolved with Lebanon.34 So to establish a presence in the region, she adopted an

aggressive policy for establishing sovereign right in the disputed sea areas. Research and
development of marine technologies, development of offshore infrastructure, exploration
and exploitation of hydrocarbon, showing flags to foreign ports and other diplomatic
missions, constant patrolling, challenging possible sea borne threat, denying the use of sea
to terrorist and insurgents are the present peace time strategy of the Israel.

27. War Time Strategy. It has been studied that maintaining a maritime control
during wartime enable Israel in achieving certain strategic objectives. 35 Basing on this the
wartime strategy can be following:

a. Protection of the strategic infrastructure which is dispersed near the coast in

the centre of the country.

b. Help the ground forces prevail by carrying out flanking courses and landing
naval forces; guarding the ground forces along the coastal axes; providing logistical
assistance to the ground forces via the sea and prevent enemy reinforcement via the
sea.

c. Strike the enemy’s strategic targets along the coast and cutting of the shipping
lane so as to deny the enemy vital supply through their sea ports.

d. Maintain the second strike capability.

e. Keep the maritime flank open and protect necessary infrastructure to conduct
war.

f. prevent opening of the additional sea front and force the enemy to invest in
forces and measures to defend his own coast.

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ISRAELI NAVY

History of Israeli Navy

28. The origin of Israeli Navy can be found at the Yarkon and Zvulun Marine Sports Club
(founded at the end of 1920s) and the Jewish Maritime High School (founded in 1938)
where the naval wing of Jewish community, known as Palyam, received their initial
training.36 Later on, during the last phase of the British Mandate, many ex Royal Navy
Jewish volunteer started working with few salvaged immigration ships in Hafia harbor which
came to be known as the Fleet of shadows. They would become the first ships of Israeli
Navy when the Israel Defense Force will be established in early 1948.

29. Initially Israel Navy was manned by both the Palyam members and Ex-Royal Navy
Jewish personnel. This resulted in political infighting, tussle for power in IDF and mayhem
between the Jewish officers from different navies and Palyam members. Finally the order
was restored and Sholmo Shamir was appointed as the Chief of Navy under whose able
guidance the Israel Navy started its journey to become a world class fighting force. Today
the Israeli Navy has built up an impressive record for making good use of its indigenous
weapon technology and ship design. The Israel Navy has also fulfilled a critical range of
missions over the past half a century and is now evolving into a central player in Israel’s
new defense concept of the 21st century.

Functions of Navy

30. The Navy's primary objectives are to defend and protect Israel coastline, to warn of
impending warfare and to achieve the goals set by the IDF during warfare. The  navy is also
responsible for protecting strategic infrastructure along Israel's coast, including natural
resources and ports. The navy also plays a crucial role in preventing the smuggling of

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weapons to terrorist organizations on Israel's borders - including Hamas in the Gaza Strip
and Hezbollah in Lebanon. 37 According to Israel defense force information, the functions of
Israel Navy enumerated below:

a. To defend Israel from the sea and to secure areas where IDF is operating.

b. To secure Israeli activities at sea.

c. To assist IDF forces in defeating enemies during war.

d. To strike enemy targets.

e. To gather and assess intelligence at sea and contribute to the IDF's general
intelligence assessments.

f. To transport forces, weaponry and equipment to designated designations.

g. To conduct search and rescue missions.

h. To conduct special operations.

i. To develop naval forces

Organizational Structure of Israeli Navy

31. The navy is not designated as a separate service but known as the Sea Corps (Hel
Yam) of Israel Defence Force (IDF). It enjoys more autonomy within the IDF structure than
the official designation would suggest. The commander has the status of senior advisers to
the chief of staff and holds a two-star rank. IDF is running by joint force concept and Israeli

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Navy functions as its sea-arms. As such the structure of Israeli Navy is based on the
location of the naval bases. The Navy Headquarters is located at Kirya in Tel Aviv, next to
IDF Headquarters. Navy, like other branches of the IDF, answers to a single Chief of
General Staff having a three star rank. The organization of the Israeli Navy is shown at
Annex G.

Present Capability of Israeli Navy

32. General. The Israeli Sea Corps' main objective lies in defending the Israeli
coastline. The heart of the fleet is the Sa'ar class of Fast Attack Crafts, the vessels with their
exceptional offensive capability and high speed maneuverability make an excellent tool in
the navy's arsenal. The fleet air arm is made up of maritime reconnaissance aircrafts and
helicopters, which generally remains with minimal armament. Engagements with terrorists
and other low-intensity conflicts discarded the need for larger ships such as frigates or
destroyers. The Navy is consisting of 19500 personnel 38 (Including 9,500 in Active List and
10,000 on mobilization). The Israeli Navy, while strategically defensive, is tactically highly
offensive and conducts its mission dynamically and with a high degree of élan.

33. Surface Combatants. At Present Israel Navy Operates 03 in number Sa’ar 5

Class Corvettes which remains as the most powerful warships in Israel's naval fleet.
Although referred to as ‘corvettes’, but their weaponry and sensors are comparable to that
of a frigate. These vessels are also capable of embarking helicopters. Israeli navy also
operate 08 in number Sa'ar 4.5 and 02 in number Sa'ar 4 class missile boats. These
vessels are indigenously designed and built at Israel Shipyards Ltd. All the missile
combatants of the navy are stationed at Hafia. In addition to these, the navy operates a total
of 51 patrol crafts/gun boats of which the Super Dvora, Shaldag and Dabur are worth
mentioning. There are also support vessels, tankers and tenders.

34. Submarine Arm. Submarine Fleet includes a total of 03 Type 800

Dolphin class diesel electric submarines. Developed and constructed by HDW shipyards of

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Germany, these boats are equipped with sub launched harpoons and torpedoes. It has
been speculated that the dolphin submarines may be outfitted with strategic capabilities. 39
All the submarines are based at Haifa.

35. Air Arm. Israeli navy operates seven 565SA Sea Panther anti submarine
helicopters and three IAI 1124N Sea Scan fixed wing aircrafts. 40 These aircrafts belong to
193 and 120 squadrons respectively and based at Ramat David.41 Israel Navy also operates
a variety of UAV in co-ordination with Israel Air force depending on their mission. The Air
Force also operates several Boeing 70742 variants including reconnaissance, and EW.

36. Marine Commando Force (MCF). Israeli Naval Infantry/Marines, the 13

Commando Yami (13 Naval Commandos Flotilla), has 300 personnel based at Atlit. They
are an elite naval commando unit trained and specialized in sea-to-land incursions, counter
terrorism, sabotage operations, maritime intelligence gathering, maritime hostage rescue,
and boarding. They are known as Shayetet 13 or S-13 and divided into three companies.

37. Training. The Naval Training base is located in Haifa. It contains the submarine
operations school, the missile boat operations school and the naval command school. The
naval training base also functions as the Israeli Naval Academy.

38. Ship Repair. Presently the renowned Israel Shipyards looks after the repair
and maintenance of the Israeli navy ships and crafts. The shipyard also repairs merchant
ships and naval vessels of the US Navy. It has a Master Repair Agreement with the US
Navy’s 6th Fleet and had been repairing US vessels for years. 43

39. Modernization Plan. It is been reported that the Navy is stressing the feasibility
of producing German designed 2,200 ton MEKO A100 Corvettes in their local shipyard. The
Israeli Navy also plans to buy more Super Dvora and Shaldag patrol boats and has ordered
two additional dolphin submarines with Air Independent Propulsion. 44 They are also trying to
produce 2 modified versions of the Sa'ar 5-class corvette domestically.

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IMPACT ON THE LITTORAL NEIGHBOURS

40. General. Israel’s quest for attaining maritime power is leaving its mark on the
region and more prominently on its littoral neighbours. In order to secure political and
economic objectives, Israel’s persistent effort to achieve a total maritime control has made
the region a place of unneeded incidents.

41. Palestine. Two of the largest gas fields of Israel, the Gaza Marine and Mari B, off
the cost of Gaza require Israel Navy to keep a keen eye on Palestinian maritime activities.
Presently it is showing zero tolerance against any kind of Palestinian marine use including
fishing fleet movement. The unprovoked attack on Palestinian fishing industry over the past
few months45 and the Gaza Flotilla incident clearly defines Israel’s desire to establish a
complete maritime control in the region. It is also been speculated that the enormous
prospects of the eastern Mediterranean, as it now unfolds, will only complicate the Middle
East peace agreement, maritime delimitation with Palestine and even the very recognition of
the state of Palestine by Israel.

42. Lebanon. The recent successful exploration of Gas and oil field in the Levantine
Basin has made Israel to take a rigid stance in the Maritime Boundary claim against
Lebanon (Annex E). It may resort to limited war or adopt a soft threatening approach
against Lebanon. Israel, being the master of diplomacy, has resolved the maritime boundary
issue with Cyprus in order to exert pressure on Lebanon with an aim of bringing her into the
negotiating table. Lebanon on the other hand, having a moderate presence in the
Mediterranean, draws attention of the UN about the Israel’s approach in leasing the
disputed sea blocks for the hydrocarbon exploration. Lebanon also reported to have started
with its own its own undersea oil and gas exploration in collaboration with Iran. It is to be
mentioned that there is no agreed land border between Israel and Lebanon; both countries
are committed to a ceasefire along the so-called Blue Line. This boundary was drawn up by
the UN after Israel withdrew from southern Lebanon in 2000. The lack of an official land

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border makes it more difficult to decide a precise maritime one. It has also been stated by
many print and electronic media that the recent disputes over the maritime boundary may
very well spark a fresh conflict over the region.

43. Egypt. Israel had been in a state of peace with Egypt, the most powerful
amongst its littoral neighbors, since 1979 Camp David Treaty which includes demilitarization
of the Sinai Peninsula. Since then Egypt had never been a threat or posed any challenge
against Israel’s maritime ambition. But the Egyptian Revolution of 2011 has led to fears in
Israel about the future of the treaty and their maritime objectives although Egypt announced
that it would continue to abide by all its international and regional treaties. 46 However the
Israeli–Egyptian relation reached its lowest level in decades following a series of cross
border attacks in southern Israel which resulted in shooting of 5 Egyptian boarder guards by
the IDF personnel. There also had been attacks on the Israeli embassy in Cairo following an
evacuation of Israeli ambassador along with 85 diplomats back to Tel Aviv. 47 It is to be
mentioned that Egypt has allowed two Iranian naval vessels (1,500 ton frigate Alvand and
33,000 ton supply ship Khark) to cross Suez, the first Iranian navy ships to enter the canal
since Iran's 1979 Islamic revolution, and reach Mediterranean to conduct an exercise with
Syria earlier this year.48 This act by the Egyptian government and the presence of Iranian
vessels in the eastern Mediterranean is seen by many Israeli high officials as a threat to its
maritime ambition. This event alerted the Israeli navy which stood guard at the northern
mouth of the Suez Canal and shadowed the vessels during their passage to Damascus.
These incidents are compelling Israel to rethink its policies towards Egypt.

LESSONS FOR BANGLADESH

44. General. There is a popular proverb which says “it is better to have a smart
enemy then a stupid friend”. Although Bangladesh does not recognize Israel as a state and
do not have any kind of political, diplomatic or economic ties with it, but the two countries
have many things in common in terms of their geographical limitations, their necessity to
use the sea for continued existence, their maritime boundary issues and their tension with

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respective neighbours. Keeping these in mind Bangladesh could at least study few of the
policies followed by Israel if not adopt them at all.

45. Giving Priority to the Maritime Trade and Commerce. Israel has been giving
priority to the maritime trade and commerce by transforming their coastal cities into major
economic and business hub. The country’s possession of three major international ports in
relation to its size ratio is the very proof of this vision. It is projected that Tel Aviv has the
potential to become eastern Mediterranean’s Hong Kong or Singapore in near future.

46. Strategic Depth. If compared with the state of Israel in terms of landmass,
Bangladesh shares this same limitation, so there is provision for us to take lesson in this
aspect. As they have looked towards the sea for their strategic and economic security, so
Bangladesh too can adopt the same policy.

47. Foreign Policy. Israel, traditionally has always attached itself with super powers
in order to influence the regional powers in their favour. For a country like Israel which is
surrounded by the powerful adversaries this has proven to be an effective option.

48. Soft Target First. Israel has made peace accord with Egypt and Jordan for years
which allowed them to concentrate their forces against Syrian and Lebanon. After the recent
discovery of the huge undersea resources Israel has began to solve maritime delimitation
issues with their other potentially influential neighbours like Greece and at the same time
started enforcing their desired boundaries against potentially weaker adversaries.

49. General Awareness of People. It has been observed that the general
population of this country and their thoughts are not very sea oriented. People are either
ignorant or less aware of the tremendous possibilities and prospect the sea has to offer.
However, in Israel not only the people are aware they also participate in public debates and
try to come up with solutions regarding any maritime issues. This can be achieved through
the active participation of the print and electronic media.

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CONCLUSION

50. The Mediterranean Sea, as the only cross road of the three continents, had always
been an important route for trade and commerce. Israel, being a tiny littoral state
surrounded by hostile neighbours and also located in a significantly disadvantageous
position, had always considered this sea as their vital egress to the rest of the world. This is
evident from Israel’s maritime understanding since the ancient time as well as from their
recent history. The state of Israel is heavily dependent on the sea for the import of food
grains, critical raw materials and vital petroleum. The sea has also provided Israel with
much needed hydrocarbons, fishery and other resources. Considering these facts and to
ensure their consistent economic progress and national prosperity, Israel has emphasized
and invested heavily on building their maritime infrastructures. They now possess world
class ports and harbours, first rate merchant marines, proficient shipyards and repair
facilities and other maritime establishments.

51. The strategic depth had always been the Achilles’ heel of Israel and is forever given
due consideration by the political and military master minds. The absence of the tactical fall
back options have always encouraged Israel to become proactive rather than reactive. It
has also made them to adopt the ‘soft target first’ strategy and alliance with super powers.
The ever volatile situation of the Middle East and a constant threat from their neighbours
have forced Israel to pursuit for a strategic depth and a second strike capability which is
only feasible by looking towards the sea. It is also been realized that the sea can very well
serve the purpose of their economic security along with the strategic security.

52. Israel has instituted a maritime strategy with an aim of protecting their arterial
shipping lanes, prized offshore installations and to establish their rightful share and use of
the sea. Keeping these aims in view, they have planned, developed and organized their
navy accordingly. Israeli navy though much smaller in terms of man power and tonnage, but
certainly packs a punch and consists of any modern technologies conceivable. The navy is
also continuously thrown against numerous unconventional challenges like gun running,

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insurgencies and terrorist activities. But a steady economic boom and a constant threat of
foreign aggression coupled with huge military budget have made them specialized and
skilled.

53. Since it has been realized that the future of Israel lies at sea, the unrelenting pursuit
of Israel for the maritime control in order to secure its economic, political and military
objectives have made the eastern Mediterranean a hot spot and had its toll on the littoral
neighbours. Few incidents like opening fire against Palestinian fishermen, starting in with a
maritime boundary disputes with Lebanon and shadowing of Iranian vessels in
Mediterranean testifies that, Israel is willing to take extreme measures and can go to any
length in order to secure its maritime ambition.

Chittagong ARIF RAHMAN

Lieutenant Commander BN
Group Leader
November 2011 Group 01

Annexes:

A. Historic Ships of Israeli Navy.

B. Political Map of Israel with Occupied Territories.
C. List of Hydrocarbon Fields of Israel.
D. Map of Offshore Hydrocarbon Resources.
E. Map of Reserve Offshore Fields of Israel.
F. World Map of Countries that Do Not Recognize Israel.
G. Organizational Diagram of Israeli Navy.

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Distribution:

External:

Action:

The Directing Staff - 01

38th BN Junior Staff Course
Bangladesh Naval Academy
Patenga
Chittagong

End Notes:

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1
. Admiral A T Mahan, The Influence of Sea Power upon History, 1660-1783 (Dodo
Press, 1889), p 4.
2
. Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, The Philosophy of History (Dover Publications Inc,
1956), p 87.
3
. www.wikipedia.org – Sea People, visited on 11 October 2011.
4
. Bible - 1 Kings, 9: 26-27.
5
. History of the Navy by David Hanovice, www.israelvets.com, visited on 11 October
2011.
6
. www.zahal.org – capture of Ibrahim al Awal, visited 11 October 2011.
7
. www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org – The Israeli navy throughout wars, visited on 12 October
2011.
8
. www.wikipedia.com, INS HANIT, visited on 28 October 2011.
9
. The World Fact Book – The Central Intelligence Agency, www.cia.gov, visited on 28
October 2011.
10
. www.wikipedia.com, Agriculture in Israel, visited on 28 October 2011.
11
. www.onejerusalem.com, Israeli Fish Story, visited on 02 November 2011.
12
. www.wikipedia.com, Tourism of Israel, visited on 29 October 2011.
13
. www.investors.nobleenergyinc.com, visited on 02 November 2011.
14
. www.realclearworld.com, visited on 02 November 2011.
15
. www.wikipedia.com, Port of Haifa, visited on 04 November 2011.
16
. www.encarta.msn.com, Port of Haifa, visited on 04 November 2011.
17
. www.wikipedia.com, Transport in Israel, visited on 29 October 2011.
18
. www.wikipedia.com, Zim Integrated Shipping, visited on 29 October 2011.
19
. www.zim.com, visited on 29 October 2011.
20
. World Economic Forum Global Competiveness Repot, www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il,
visited on 28 October 2011.
21
. www.wikipedia.com, Economy of Israel, visited on 28 October 2011.
22
. Israel Export: From $16M to $80B, www.ynetnews.com/articles, visited on 28 October
2011.
23
. Defence News, 20 July 2009.
24
. www.wikipedia.com, Foreign Relation of Israel, visited on 28 October 2011.
25
. Capt (Retd) Dudu Shiek and Dr Reuven Pedatzur, Naval Power and its Importance for
Israel’s future security, May 2002.
26
. Ibid, p 02.
27
. Ibid, p 04.
28
. Ibid, p 05.
29
. Ibid, pp 30-31.
30
. www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org, Myths and Facts, visited on 01 November 2011.
31
. www.wikipedia.com, Israeli Occupied Territories, visited on 29 October 2011.
32
. www.weekly.arham.org, Israel’s military indoctrination of children, visited on 01
November 2011.
33
. Moshe Tzalel, From Ice-Breaker to Missile Boat: The Evolution of Israel's Naval
Strategy (Greenwood Press, London, 2000), p 03.
34
www.israelmatzav.blogspot.com, Israel sets maritime border, visited on 01 November
2011.
35
. Capt Shiek and Dr Reuven, Op Cit, p 09.
36
. www.wikipedia.com, Israeli Navy, visited on 12 October 2011.
37
. www.idf.il, visited 12 Oct 2011.
38
. The Military Balance 2010, p 255.
39
. Capt Shiek and Dr Reuven, Op Cit, p 09.
40
. Jane’s Fighting Ships 2010-2011, p 386.
41
. www.globalsecurity.org, visited 13 Oct 2011.
42
. www.globalsecurity.org, visited 13 Oct 2011.
43
. www.israel-shipyards.com
44
. www.wikipedia.org, visited on 13 October 2011.
45
. fishingunderfire.blogspot.com, visited on 05 October 2011.
46
. The New York Times, 12 February 2011.
47
. The New York Times, 10 September 2011.
48
. The Jerusalem Post, 22 February 2011.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Books

1. Admiral A T Mahan, The Influence of Sea Power upon History, 1660-1783, Dodo
Press, 1889.
2. Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, The Philosophy of History, Dover Publications Inc,
1956.
3. 1 Kings Bible, 9: 26-27.
4. Moshe Tzalel, From Ice-Breaker to Missile Boat: The Evolution of Israel's Naval
Strategy, Greenwood Press, London, 2000.
5. The Military Balance 2010.
6. Jane’s Fighting Ships 2010-2011.

Magazines

7. Defence News, 20 July 2009.

Articles

8. “World Economic Forum Global Competiveness Repot”, financeisrael.mof.gov.il.

9. “Israel Export: From $16M to $80B”, ynetnews.com.
10. Capt (Retd) Dudu Shiek and Dr Reuven Pedatzur, “Naval Power and its Importance for
Israel’s future security”, May 2002. (pdf)
11. David Hanovice, “History of the Navy”, israelvets.com.

Newspapers

12. The New York Times, 12 February 2011.

13. The Jerusalem Post, 22 February 2011.

Websites

14. www.zahal.org.
15. www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org.
16. www.wikipedia.com.
17. www.cia.gov.
18. www.onejerusalem.com.
19. www.investors.nobleenergyinc.com.
20. www.realclearworld.com.
21. www.encarta.msn.com.
22. www.zim.com.
23. www.weekly.arham.org.
24. www.israelmatzav.blogspot.com.
25. www.idf.il.
26. www.globalsecurity.org.
27. www.fishingunderfire.blogspot.com.
28. www.israel-shipyards.com.