Ha'aretz (Israel) : "Will Israel help NATO police the Mediterranean?" par Amos Harel et Barak Ravid

06.07.2009

Will Israel help NATO police the Mediterranean?

Israel is to issue a request shortly to allow it to join a NATO operation in the Mediterranean aimed to prevent the passage of terrorists and weapons of mass destruction as well as improve the security of the region's shipping industry.

The cabinet approved the recommendation made by the Israel Defense Forces and the navy to join the operation - dubbed Active Endeavour - last Wednesday when it was presented. Israel is not a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization; however, other non-members are taking part in the operation, including ships from Russia and Ukraine.

If the request is approved, Israel Navy gunships would join the operation within a few months. A solution would be found to avoid Israeli ships approaching the shores of Arab countries, particularly those with which Israel has no diplomatic relations - including Syria, Lebanon and certain North African countries.

	Advertisement

The intent is for an Israeli gunboat to occassionally join one of the month-long operations of Active Endeavour, which has been underway since 2001. Israel would not require major preparation to join the NATO operation, and its delegation would focus on control and monitoring procedures, as well as coordination of communications terminology.

Sources in the army view joining the operation as important both in terms of stepping up Israel's relations with NATO, as well as its image - as Israel is often accused of aggression in enforcing the siege on Gaza by sea.

Presently, an Israeli naval officer with the rank of major is stationed at NATO marine command in Napoli, Italy.

The IDF discussed the idea of joining Active Endeavour more than ...............
................

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1097783.html