JERUSALEM (EJP)—The Israeli army announced it has intercepted an attempt to smuggle an Iranian shipment of advanced weaponry intended for terrorist organizations operating in the Gaza Strip.
The operation took place in the early hours of Wednesday morning, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said. The Israeli Navy intercepted in the Red Sea, approximately 1,500 kilometers (930 miles) from the Israeli coast. a Panamanian-flagged cargo vessel Klos C, where the arms were concealed in between commercial cargo.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is currently on a visit in the US, held a series of security consultations prior to approving the IDF action.
IDF special naval forces boarded the vessel, in accordance with international law, and carried out a preliminary inspection of the cargo. They discovered numerous advanced weapons, including missiles, during the inspection.
‘’The operation was made possible due to the combination of in-depth intelligence and enhanced operational capabilities. This shipment was meant to reach the hands of terrorist organizations in Gaza that are waging an ongoing armed conflict against Israel. These terrorist organizations systematically use such weaponry against the Israeli civilian population,’’ the IDF said.
According to Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon, weapons of strategic significance were discovered on the Iranian vessel, including rockets capable of reaching various distances.
‘’It has once again become clear that Iran continues to be the greatest exporter of terror in the world, with the express purpose of destabilizing the Middle East.,’’ the minister said.
‘’This Iranian attempt to transfer weapons to the Gaza Strip is additional evidence that Gaza is a terrorist entity under Iranian auspices preparing to strike deep into Israel,’’ he added.
Israeli premier Netanyahu said : ‘’At a time when it is talking to the major powers, Iran smiles and says all sorts of nice things, the same Iran is sending deadly weapons to terrorist organizations and is doing so via a ramified network of secret operations in order to send rockets, missiles and other deadly weapons that will be used to harm innocent citizens. This is the true Iran and this state cannot possess nuclear weapons. We will continue to whatever is necessary in order to defend Israel’s citizens.’’