Ashdod Naval Base

The construction of the permanent camp in the south of the port began in 1965. A temporary base was established in the port within a day. Lt. Col. Yekutiel Netz was appointed as the commander of the base.{{Cite book|author=Shlomo Nekedimon|title=A base in the presence of an enemy'}}{{Cite book|author=Uri Porat|title= A base within a day - in "Naval systems", "Navy statement on alertness and war"|date= July 1967|pages= 24–25}}

Amphibious warfare ships in preparation for the landing operation at El Arish beach were stationed there. During the Six Day War and after it, ships from the 914th Torpedo Squadron were attached to floats and received fuel and supplies from the base.

During the War of Attrition, the Israeli warships engaged with an Egyptian destroyer, sinking the destroyer in about 25 minutes. This incident came to be known as Battle of Romani. The Israeli warships were directed from this base.{{Cite web|url=http://moreshetyamit.net/uncategorized/%d7%90%d7%91%d7%a8%d7%99-%d7%a9%d7%a4%d7%9c%d7%a8-%d7%a7%d7%a6%d7%99%d7%9f-%d7%94%d7%9e%d7%9b%d7%95%d7%95%d7%9f-%d7%91%d7%a7%d7%a8%d7%91-%d7%a8%d7%95%d7%9e%d7%a0%d7%99/|title=זיכרונות סא"ל משיח נסים קצין הגנ"ק של אח"י אילת מקרב רומני|date=25 July 2017|accessdate=5 July 2024|website=moreshetyamit|language=he}}

The inauguration of the permanent camp of the Navy base in Ashdod was held on 12 August 1968.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nli.org.il/he/newspapers/dav/1968/08/12/01/article/49?&dliv=none&e=-------he-20--1--img-txIN%7ctxTI--------------1&utm_source=he.wikipedia.org&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=%22%D7%91%D7%A1%D7%99%D7%A1+%D7%90%D7%A9%D7%93%D7%95%D7%93%22&utm_content=itonut|title=דבר⁩, 12 אוגוסט 1968⁩ — חגיגות ותצוגה בפתיחת בסיס חיל־הים באשדוד [⁨כתבה⁩]|date=12 August 1968|language=he|accessdate=5 July 2024}} The commander of the navy stated "the new base of the navy in Ashdod is a key to maintaining the ongoing security and sovereignty of Israel along the southern coasts from North Sinai to the entrances of Port Said".{{Cite book|author=Eli Shaf |title="Naval Systems", Navy Bulletin|date =September 1968|pages =11–13}}

The Battle of Baltim was fought between the Israeli Navy and the Egyptian Navy on 8–9 October 1973, during the Yom Kippur War between Baltim and Damietta. The Israeli warships that participated in the battle were stationed and co-ordinated from this base.Herzog and Gazit (2005), p. 312

In the early 1980s, Defense Minister Ariel Sharon wanted to bring the Navy closer to Gaza to save sailing time by moving the base to the city of Ashkelon.{{Cite book|author=Moshe Dror, Ariela Barmacher|title =the third term, Zilkar - Ashdod Shahab , Ashdod: Avi Elad|year=2022|page=137}} The mayor of Ashdod, Zvi Zilkar, strongly opposed this, partly and the plan was ultimately cancelled.

After the First Intifada and the creation of a Palestinian Authority in Gaza strip, five patrols boats were organised for regular patrols which number grew to be seven patrol boats.{{Cite book|author=Liat Lerer|title=Summary of the Navy's activities in 2004|date=2005|page=36}}

During the Israeli disengagement from Gaza, the base served as a major evacuation and transport hub for the evacuation of Israel Defense Forces (IDF) personnel from Gaza strip.{{cite news |last=Harel |first=Amos |url=https://www.haaretz.com/1.4939932 |title=Israel to seal Rafah crossing on Thursday as part of Gaza pullout |publisher=Haaretz.com |date=September 7, 2005 |access-date=October 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120731203334/http://www.haaretz.com/news/israel-to-seal-rafah-crossing-on-thursday-as-part-of-gaza-pullout-1.169213 |archive-date=July 31, 2012 |url-status=live |newspaper=Haaretz }}{{cite book |author=Sara M. Roy |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gXAqjgEACAAJ&pg=PA |title=The Gaza Strip |publisher=Institute for Palestine Studies USA, Incorporated |year=2016 |isbn=978-0-88728-321-5 |pages=xxiii}}

During the Operation Summer Rains on 26 June, the Israeli Navy imposed a naval closure of the Gaza Strip, to prevent the hostage Gilad Shalit being smuggled out by sea by the Palestinian militants. The navy increased patrols of naval vessels along the Gaza coastline, and prepared for an attempt to smuggle Shalit out by boat, sending instructions to captains. Palestinian fast boats were banned from operating in the area, and only small Palestinian fishing boats were allowed on the sea.{{cite news|url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3267410,00.html |title=Naval closure placed on Gaza |newspaper=Ynetnews |publisher=Ynetnews.com |date=June 20, 1995 |access-date=March 1, 2012|last1=Greenberg |first1=Hanan }} These patrols were organised from this base.

The Blockade of the Gaza Strip starting in 2007 was organised from this base.

During the Gaza War (2008–2009) the Israeli Navy attacked Hamas' rocket launchers and outposts, command and control centers, a Hamas patrol boat, and the office of Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh, using the Typhoon Weapon System and surface to surface missiles.[http://www.dover.idf.il/IDF/English/News/the_Front/09/01/0101.htm Dover.idf.il] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090522041335/http://www.dover.idf.il/IDF/English/News/the_Front/09/01/0101.htm |date=22 May 2009 }}{{cite news |author=Amos Harel |url=http://www.haaretz.co.il/news/politics/1.1370337 |title=מבצע "עופרת יצוקה": תקיפת חיל הים ברצועת עזה: כך זה נראה |language=he |trans-title=Operation 'Cast Lead': Israeli Navy attacks on the Gaza Strip: So it seems |newspaper=Haaretz |date=2008-12-29 |access-date=2010-03-24}} The navy coordinated with other Israeli forces and used powerful shipboard sensors to acquire and shell targets on land."> {{Cite news |title=In Gaza, Both Sides Reveal New Gear |url=http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=3885990 |work=Defense News |date=5 January 2009 }} {{dead link|date=August 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}{{Cite news |first=Barbara |last=Opall-Rome |title=Gaza War Is Battle Lab for Joint Combat Ops |date=2009-05-11 |url=http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=4083045 |work=Defense News |access-date=2009-08-06}} {{dead link|date=August 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} Records of the attacks published by the navy indicate that for the first time vessels were equipped with Spike ER electro-optically guided anti-armor missiles. Videos of an attack showed precision hits from a Typhoon stabilizing gun despite a rolling sea. Versions of the Spike were also used by ground units{{cite news |url=http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=defense&id=news/GAZA031109.xml |title=New Tactics Yield Solid Victory in Gaza |access-date=2009-07-03 |last=Eshel |first=David |date=2009-05-11 |work=Aviation Week |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110614203423/http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=defense&id=news%2FGAZA031109.xml |archive-date=14 June 2011 }} and possibly by helicopters or unmanned aerial vehicles.[https://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSLU55228 "Human Rights Watch accuses Israel over Gaza drones"], Reuters, 30 June 2009 Shayetet 13 naval commandos were also deployed to attack targets on land,{{Cite news |url=http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/hamas-launches-first-phosphorus-rocket-at-negev-no-injuries-reported-1.268159 |title=Hamas launches first phosphorus rocket at Negev; no injuries reported |last=Yagna |first=Yanir |author2=Ashkenazi, Eli |author3=Pfeffer, Anshel |date=15 January 2009 |newspaper=Haaretz |access-date=5 May 2010}} and reportedly attacked an Iranian ship loaded with arms for Hamas, which was docking in Sudan.{{cite news |date=2009-04-08 |url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L3699142,00.html |title=Report: Naval commando forces involved in Sudan strike |newspaper=Ynetnews |access-date=2014-08-17}} On 28 December, Naval vessels shelled the Port of Gaza.{{Cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7812290.stm |title=Gaza conflict: Timeline |work=BBC News |date=2009-01-18 |access-date=2010-06-05}}

On 29 December, the Free Gaza Movement relief boat Dignity carrying volunteer doctors with 3.5 tons of medical supplies, human rights activists (Among them Caoimhe Butterly and former US Representative Cynthia McKinney), and a CNN reporter was involved in an altercation with Israeli patrol boats. The captain of the Free Gaza vessel said that their vessel had been rammed intentionally and that there had been no warning before it had been rammed.{{Cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7805075.stm |title=Gaza aid boat 'rammed by Israel' |work=BBC News |date=2008-12-30 |access-date=2010-03-24}} An Israeli spokesman disputed this, and said the collision was caused by the Dignity attempting to outmaneuver the patrol boats after disobeying Israeli orders to turn back.{{Cite news |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/12/30/gaza.aid.boat/index.html |title=Gaza relief boat damaged in encounter with Israeli vessel |publisher=CNN |date=2008-12-30 |access-date=2010-03-24}}

On 4 January the Israeli Navy extended its blockade of the Gaza Strip to {{convert|20|nmi}}.{{cite news |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2009/01/20091322357629723.html |title=Israeli ground troops enter Gaza |publisher=Al Jazeera |date=2009-01-04 |access-date=2010-03-24}}

Naval squadrons during the Operation Warm Winter were also coordinated from here.{{Cite web|url=http://www.nrg.co.il/online/1/ART1/703/535.html|title= לחימה בעזה: לפחות 60 פלסטינים נהרגו|website=nrg|date=March 1, 2008}}

Throughout the war, the Israeli Navy employed {{sclass2|Sa'ar 4.5|missile boat}}s of the flotilla in addition to {{sclass2|Super Dvora Mk III|patrol boat|1}}s which were coordinated from this base.

On 31 May 2010, the Israeli Navy seized an aid convoy of six ships known as the "Gaza Freedom Flotilla".{{Cite news |first1=Ian |last1=Black |first2=Haroon |last2=Siddique |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/may/31/q-a-gaza-freedom-flotilla |title=Q&A: The Gaza Freedom flotilla |newspaper=The Guardian |date=31 May 2010 |access-date=2 June 2010 |location=London |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100603133507/http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/may/31/q-a-gaza-freedom-flotilla |archive-date=3 June 2010 |url-status=live}} aiming to break through the blockade, carrying humanitarian aid and construction materials. The flotilla had declined an Israeli request to change course to the Ashdod base, where the Israeli government had said it would inspect the aid and deliver (or let humanitarian organizations deliver) Israeli-approved items to Gaza.{{cite news |url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/israel-gaza-aid-convoy-can-unload-cargo-in-ashdod-for-inspection-1.292560 |title=Israel: Gaza aid convoy can unload cargo in Ashdod for inspection |first1=Barak |last1=Ravid |first2=Yuval |last2=Azoulay |newspaper=Haaretz |date=27 May 2010 |access-date=2 June 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120516122359/http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/israel-gaza-aid-convoy-can-unload-cargo-in-ashdod-for-inspection-1.292560 |archive-date=16 May 2012 |url-status=live}}

File:Flickr - Israel Defense Forces - Weaponry Used by Passengers Aboard the Mavi Marmara.jpg

Israeli Shayetet 13 naval commandos boarded the ships from speedboats and helicopters launched from three missile ships, while the flotilla was still in international waters.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/may/31/israeli-attacks-gaza-flotilla-activists |title=Israeli attack on Gaza flotilla sparks international outrage |first=Robert |last=Booth |newspaper=The Guardian |date=31 May 2010 |access-date=17 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100603125947/http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/may/31/israeli-attacks-gaza-flotilla-activists |archive-date=3 June 2010 |url-status=live}} On the {{MV|Mavi Marmara}}, the main ship of the convoy, passengers attacked and managed to capture three soldiers.{{cite news |last=Reynolds |first=Paul |publisher=BBC News |title=Israeli convoy raid: What went wrong? |date=2 June 2010 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/world/middle_east/10203333.stm |access-date=2 June 2010 |quote=The passengers... pulled out bats, clubs and slingshots with glass marbles, assaulting each soldier as he disembarked. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100603035910/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/world/middle_east/10203333.stm |archive-date=3 June 2010 |url-status=live}} Israeli soldiers responded with rubber bullets and live ammunition from soldiers in helicopters and on the ship. Several of the activists were shot in the head by Israeli forces, some from behind and at close range.“Gaza Flotilla Activists Were Shot in Head at Close Range,” Guardian (4 June 2010) Israel was accused of using disproportionate force. On other ships, soldiers were met with passive resistance which was easily suppressed with non-lethal techniques. Nine passengers were killed and dozens wounded. Nine soldiers were also injured, two of them seriously. All of the ships were seized and towed to Ashdod, while passengers were imprisoned in Israel and then deported to their home countries.{{cite news |title=Israel Navy commandos: Gaza flotilla activists tried to lynch us |url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/at-least-10-activists-killed-in-israel-navy-clashes-onboard-gaza-aid-flotilla-1.293089 |first1=Amos |last1=Harel |first2=Avi |last2=Issacharoff |first3=Anshel |last3=Pfeffer |date=31 May 2010 |work=Haaretz}}{{cite news |last=Slackman |first=Michael |work=The New York Times |title=In Bid to Quell Anger Over Raid, Israel Frees Detainees |date=3 June 2010 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/03/world/middleeast/03flotilla.html |access-date=3 June 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100604140047/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/03/world/middleeast/03flotilla.html |archive-date=4 June 2010 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Turkey holds activists' funerals |publisher=Al Jazeera English |access-date=3 June 2010 |date=3 June 2010 |url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/europe/2010/06/2010639114160373.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100603111639/http://english.aljazeera.net//news/europe/2010/06/2010639114160373.html |archive-date=3 June 2010 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-israel-flotilla-20100531,0,1839736.story |first=Edmund |last=Sanders |title=Israel criticized over raid on Gaza flotilla |work=Los Angeles Times |date=1 June 2010 |access-date=2 June 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100531101434/http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-israel-flotilla-20100531%2C0%2C1839736.story |archive-date=31 May 2010}}{{cite news |title=Israel attacks Gaza aid fleet |url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/05/201053133047995359.html |date=31 May 2010 |publisher=Al-Jazeera |access-date=2 June 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110313131133/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/05/201053133047995359.html |archive-date=13 March 2011 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/meast/05/31/gaza.protest/index.html?hpt=T1 |title=Israeli assault on Gaza-bound flotilla leaves at least 9 dead |publisher=CNN |date=31 May 2010 |access-date=2 June 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100603211209/http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/meast/05/31/gaza.protest/index.html?hpt=T1 |archive-date=3 June 2010 |url-status=live}} The {{MV|Rachel Corrie}}, a seventh ship that had been delayed, set sail from Malta on the same day of the flotilla's interception. Israeli naval vessels shadowed the Rachel Corrie, and after it ignored three warnings, Israeli commandos boarded the ship from speedboats, arrested the crew, and forced it to sail to Ashdod.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/jun/05/israel-rachel-corrie-gaza-ship |location=London |work=The Guardian |first1=Adam |last1=Gabbatt |first2=Harriet |last2=Sherwood |first3=Amy |last3=Fallon |title=Israeli forces board the Rachel Corrie |date=5 June 2010 |access-date=14 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103131005/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/jun/05/israel-rachel-corrie-gaza-ship |archive-date=3 January 2017 |url-status=live}}

Following the Gaza flotilla raid, a coalition of 22 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) assembled in July 2011 a flotilla of 10 vessels and 1,000 activists to breach the blockade.

The vessels docked in Greece in preparation for the journey to Gaza. However, the Greek government announced that it would not allow the vessels to leave for Gaza,{{cite news |url=http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Middle-East/2011/0705/Israel-s-new-friend-Why-Greece-is-thwarting-Gaza-flotilla |title=Israel's new friend: Why Greece is thwarting Gaza flotilla |website=The Christian Science Monitor |date=2011-07-05 |access-date=2014-08-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111109195940/http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Middle-East/2011/0705/Israel-s-new-friend-Why-Greece-is-thwarting-Gaza-flotilla |archive-date=9 November 2011 |url-status=live}} and the Hellenic Coast Guard stopped three vessels attempting to evade the travel ban and leave port. On 7 July, most activists left for home, leaving only a few dozen to continue the initiative.{{cite news |last=Katz |first=Yaakov |url=http://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=228372 |title=Flotilla to Gaza founders as Greece stays the course | JPost | Israel News |website=The Jerusalem Post |access-date=2014-08-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110908035147/http://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=228372 |archive-date=8 September 2011 |url-status=live}} On 16 July, the French yacht Dignite Al Karama was allowed to leave port after informing Greek authorities that its destination was Alexandria, Egypt. Instead, the yacht headed directly for Gaza. The Israeli Navy stopped the Dignite Al Karama about {{convert|65|km}} off Gaza. After the boat was warned and refused to turn back, it was surrounded by three Israeli naval vessels and boarded by Shayetet 13 commandos, who took it over. The boat was then taken to Ashdod base.{{cite news|url=http://articles.cnn.com/2011-07-19/world/israel.gaza.flotilla_1_free-gaza-movement-gaza-coast-gaza-bound |publisher=CNN |title=Israel deporting 15 following the Gaza flotilla raid, Israel and Egypt faced mounting international calls to ease or lift their blockade.oreigners aboard Gaza-bound boat |date=20 July 2011}}{{dead link|date=August 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} Ultimately, the Freedom Flotilla sailing did not take place.

On 4 November 2011, the Israeli Navy intercepted two vessels heading towards Gaza in a private initiative to break the blockade. Shayetet 13 commandos boarded the vessels from speedboats and took them over with no resistance. The vessels were then taken to Ashdod base.{{cite news |last=Pfeffer |first=Anshel |url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/israel-navy-intercepts-gaza-bound-aid-vessels-no-injuries-reported-1.393717 |title=Israel Navy intercepts Gaza-bound aid vessels; no injuries reported Israel News |newspaper=Haaretz |date=2011-11-04 |access-date=2014-08-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111105033244/http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/israel-navy-intercepts-gaza-bound-aid-vessels-no-injuries-reported-1.393717 |archive-date=5 November 2011 |url-status=live}}

During the Victoria Affair, the ship Victoria was seized about {{convert|200|nmi}} from the Israeli coast, while on its way from Turkey to El-Arish port in Egypt (other sources give the destination as Alexandria, Egypt).{{cite news |author=Katz |first=Yaakov |date=18 March 2011 |title=Victoria's Secret: The inside story of an arms-laden ship |newspaper=The Jerusalem Post |url=http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Article.aspx?id=212683 |access-date=22 March 2011}} According to the IDF, the ship picked up the cargo in the Port of Latakia in Syria and sailed to Mersin, Turkey.{{cite news |author=Frilling |first=Yonat |date=15 March 2011 |title=Israeli Navy Seizes Suspected Arms Vessel |newspaper=Fox News |url=http://liveshots.blogs.foxnews.com/2011/03/15/israeli-navy-seizes-suspected-arms-vessel/ |url-status=dead |access-date=22 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110318174213/http://liveshots.blogs.foxnews.com/2011/03/15/israeli-navy-seizes-suspected-arms-vessel/ |archive-date=18 March 2011 |df=dmy-all}} The ship was intercepted by Israeli Navy missile ships, which radioed the captain and questioned him about his point of origin and planned destination, then informed him that his ship was suspected of carrying illegal cargo, and requested permission to board for an inspection. The captain agreed, and ordered the vessel stopped. Several minutes later, speedboats carrying commandos from Israel's elite naval unit, Shayetet 13, pulled alongside the ship. A ladder was dropped for them to climb aboard. The commandos boarded with their weapons at the ready out of concern that there could be Iranian or Hamas operatives on board. The commandos ordered the crew to assemble on the bridge, and then began inspecting the cargo. The IDF said the ship's crew was unaware it was carrying concealed weapons. The ship was redirected to the Ashdod base for further inspection. After the contraband was unloaded, Israel announced it would release the Victoria and allowed it to continue its journey to the Egyptian port of Alexandria.{{cite news |author=Pfeffer |first1=Anshell |last2=Ravid |first2=Barak |date=17 March 2011 |title=Israel to include weapons ship in UN panel on Iran arms smuggling |newspaper=Haaretz |url=http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/israel-to-include-weapons-ship-in-un-panel-on-iran-arms-smuggling-1.349668 |access-date=22 March 2011}}

During the 2014 Gaza War, Shayetet 3 off-shore fleet fired 3,494 naval shells, into the Gaza Strip[http://www.ochaopt.org/documents/ocha_opt_the_humanitarian_monitor_2014_10_03_english.pdf Humanitarian Bulletin Monthly Report, June–August 2014,] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141021035311/http://www.ochaopt.org/documents/ocha_opt_the_humanitarian_monitor_2014_10_03_english.pdf |date=21 October 2014 }} OCHA 30 September 2014. which was coordinated from this base.

During the Gaza war, an estimated 35 fighters of Hamas' Nukhba unit were observed crossing into Israeli waters from the Gaza fishing zone during the Zikim attack.{{cite web|url=https://news.walla.co.il/item/3615062|access-date=2023-12-26|publication-date=2023-10-10|author=Amir Bohbot|title="ב-06:30 הגיעו ארבע סירות. זה היה חלק מההונאה": תחילת הלחימה בזירה הימית|publisher=Walla! News}}

{{Cite web|url=https://news.walla.co.il/item/3621733|publisher=Walla! News|access-date=2023-12-26|publication-date=2023-11-27|author=Amir Bohbot|title=

המודיעין החסר, הפשיטה על חוף זיקים והחילוץ שהתעכב: כך נכשל חיל הים ב-7 באוקטובר|language=he}} Col. Eitan Paz, commander of the Ashdod naval base, having been forewarned of the invasion by Gaza Division commander Avi Rosenfeld earlier in the morning, immediately ordered the forces under his command to defend the Israeli maritime border and prevent raids on the coast.

Israeli sources stated that three of the boats were destroyed by patrol boats of the Israeli Navy's 916th Patrol Squadron from Ashdod naval base before they reached the shore, and sailors of the Snapir unit, the Israeli Navy's protection and harbor security unit, subsequently moved in on {{sclass2|Defender|boat|1}}s and killed the survivors as well as Hamas divers they discovered with gunfire and depth charges. However, the remaining boat soon made it to Zikim beach.{{Cite web|author1=Gianluca Mezzofiore|author2=Paul P. Murphy|author3=Allegra Goodwin|date=9 October 2023|title=Videos show new details on how Hamas launched surprise assault on Israel|url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/08/middleeast/hamas-videos-visual-timeline/index.html|access-date=11 October 2023|website=CNN|language=en|archive-date=10 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231010233528/https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/08/middleeast/hamas-videos-visual-timeline/index.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/new-footage-shows-harbor-security-unit-foiling-hamas-naval-infiltration-on-october-7/|title=New footage shows harbor security unit foiling Hamas naval infiltration on October 7|publisher=The Times of Israel|last=Fabian|first=Emanuel|date=2023-10-14}}

{{main|Shayetet 11}}

In May 2022 it was announced that the Navy decided to re-establish Shayetet 11, following this the IDF purchased two LSV vessels which will be used by the Israeli Navy to conduct amphibious landings as well as to transport supplies.{{cite web|url=https://www.israelhayom.co.il/news/defense/article/11172253|author=Lilach Shovel|title=חיזוק דרמטי ליכולת הצבאית מהים: ישראל רכשה שתי ספינות תקיפה אמפיביות מארה"ב|website=Israel Hayom|date=23 May 2022|language=he}}

The flotilla is operated from Ashdod Naval Base. The first amphibious vehicle, INS Nachshon , was delivered to the Navy in August 2023.{{Cite web|url=https://www.idf.il/%D7%90%D7%AA%D7%A8%D7%99-%D7%99%D7%97%D7%99%D7%93%D7%95%D7%AA/%D7%96%D7%A8%D7%95%D7%A2-%D7%94%D7%99%D7%9D/%D7%9B%D7%9C-%D7%94%D7%9B%D7%AA%D7%91%D7%95%D7%AA/2023/%D7%90%D7%97%D7%99-%D7%A0%D7%97%D7%A9%D7%95%D7%9F-%D7%A0%D7%97%D7%AA%D7%AA-%D7%97%D7%99%D7%9C-%D7%94%D7%99%D7%9D-%D7%98%D7%A7%D7%A1-%D7%9E%D7%A1%D7%99%D7%A8%D7%94-%D7%90%D7%A8%D7%94%D7%91-%D7%99%D7%A9%D7%A8%D7%90%D7%9C-%D7%A6%D7%94%D7%9C//|title=התקיים טקס מסירת הנחתת הראשונה - אח"י נחשון|language=he|website=Israel Defense Forces}} The second landing vessel, INS Kommiat , arrived in Israel in June 2024.{{Cite web|url=https://x.com/idfonline/status/1802319333005115530?t=Cqyk835PaUfhwnVM1hHFvg&s=19|title=x.com|website=X (formerly Twitter)|accessdate=2024-06-16}}

{{main|Shayetet 15}}

File:סמל דבורים.png

Patrol Squadron 916 is based in Ashdod base and its role is to provide mutual security - to continuously protect the country's maritime borders.The squadron operates Super Dvora Mk II-class patrol boats, Shaldag-class patrol boats and Unmanned surface vehicles.

The ships of the voyage are divided between four cruises, the Bezeq cruise, the Kasif cruise, the Trigon cruise, and the Shark cruise . Each cruise is commanded by naval officers with the rank of captain/major, a qualified vessel commander.{{Cite book|author=Annie ElRoei|title =Practicing in the wet , "Bin Galim" magazine of the Navy association|date=October 2014|pages=60–64}}

It has a subunit called the 'Snapir unit' with the task of ensuring the security of the base.{{Cite web | url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/new-footage-shows-harbor-security-unit-foiling-hamas-naval-infiltration-on-october-7/ | publisher=The Times of Israel | date=14 October 2023 | title=New footage shows harbor security unit foiling Hamas naval infiltration on October 7 | access-date=20 October 2023 | archive-date=14 October 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014161508/https://www.timesofisrael.com/new-footage-shows-harbor-security-unit-foiling-hamas-naval-infiltration-on-october-7/ | url-status=live }}

{{Reflist}}

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• Shay Bandman, "'Time goes by fast here,'" on the control posts Erez and Tel Ridan, "Between Waves" July 1984, pp. 41–43.
• "'Ashdod 18 years'" - the story of the Ashdod base, between the waves, April 1986.
• Annie El Roei, Raviv Hadar and David Bar-[https://2020-uploaded.fresh.co.il/2020/08/10/68611126.pdf בסיס לנוכח האויב - הקמת בסיס אשדוד], "Marine Systems" 86–85, July 1967, pp. 24–25.
• Uri Porat, [https://2020-uploaded.fresh.co.il/2020/10/27/44018375.pdf בסיס אשדוד], 'Marine Systems' 104, July 1971, pp. 32–33.
• P. courage, [https://2020-uploaded.fresh.co.il/2020/10/31/75822072.pdf על אנשים, ספינות ומלח – בסיס עין גדי], 'Marine Systems' 107–108, March 1972, p. 36.
• Orly Azoulai, [https://beingalim.files.wordpress.com/2021/01/1973-12-beingalim.pdf חיל הים באגם המר], 'Between Waves' December 1973, p. 8.
• Orly Azoulai, [https://beingalim.files.wordpress.com/2021/01/1975-4-beingalim.pdf על אנשים ספינות ומלח], 'Between Waves' April 1975, p. 18.
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• Shay Bandman, [https://beingalim.files.wordpress.com/2021/01/1984-7-bingalim-162.pdf הזמן עובר פה מהר - יומיים בתחנות המכם הדרומיות], 'Between Waves' 162 July 1984 p. 41.
• Shlomo Man, [https://beingalim.files.wordpress.com/2021/01/1986-4-beingalim-167.pdf מוסף מיוחד - ח"י לאשדוד], 'Between Waves' 167 April 1986 p. 25.
• Ruthie Rodner, [https://beingalim.files.wordpress.com/2021/01/1987-6-beingalim-170-171.pdf נחה עליהם הרוח וגרמה להן להתקשר למצוף באשדוד], ' Galim. 170-171 June 1987, p. 23.
• Ruthie Rodner and Sigal Buchris, [https://beingalim.files.wordpress.com/2021/01/1988-10-beingalim.pdf מ' על המים - מ' שנים לחיל הים - עצרת יום חיל הים תשמ"ח בקיסריה וגם יום החיל באשדוד], "Between Waves" 176 October 1988 pp. 1 and 4
• Sigal Buchris, [https://beingalim.files.wordpress.com/2021/02/1989-4-bg-177.pdf ימי קרב בסיס אשדוד], 'Between Waves' 177 April 1989 p. 11.
• Sigal Buchris, [https://beingalim.files.wordpress.com/2021/02/1990-4-bg-180.pdf בסיס אשדוד], 'Between Waves' 180 April 1990 p. 6.
• Ido Laur, [https://beingalim.files.wordpress.com/2021/02/2006-7-bg-10.pdf הגבול הכי חם של ישראל], "Between Waves", 10, July 2006, p. 44.
• Nir Kosti, [https://beingalim.files.wordpress.com/2021/03/2009-5-bg.pdf מח"ט הים מפקד בסיס אשדוד ירון בעופרת יצוקה], "Between Waves", May 2009, p. 42
• Tal Hefer and Rose Barel, [https://beingalim.files.wordpress.com/2021/02/2009-12-bg.pdf חדשות חיל ים: מועדון חיילים חדש בבסיס אשדוד], Contributed by the Goldberg family of Toronto "Between Waves", December 2009, p. 12
• Raz Sharga, Ari Shabiv, Nateel Bandel and Rose Barel, [https://beingalim.files.wordpress.com/2021/03/2010-10-bg.pdf "'Quiet takeover of the "provocation flotilla" and also "'Trends of dealing with maritime terrorism' and also "'Talking about the flotilla'"], "Bin Galim", October 2010, pp. 36, 37 and 40
• Dario Nitzan [http://moreshetyamit.net/?p=3027 יחידת הברטרמים באשדוד ובים המלח] July 15, 2015 at the website of the Maritime Heritage Conservancy
• Annie Elroy, [https://beingalim.files.wordpress.com/2021/03/2014-10-bg.pdf מבצע צוק איתן: עזה באחריותנו 24/7, וגם העיניים היפות של הגזרה], "Between Waves", October 2014, p. 33
• Dawn as a window, [https://www.ashdodnet.com/article/69042 בסיס חיל הים אירח תלמידי ישיבות ההסדר] Article in Ashdodent December 27, 2016

Category:Israeli Navy

Category:Naval installations

Category:Buildings and structures in Ashdod