Israel, US Conclude Two-Week Joint Navy Drill

Israeli navy boats are seen in the Mediterranean Sea as seen from Rosh Hanikra, close to the Lebanese border, northern Israel May 4, 2021.
Israeli navy boats are seen in the Mediterranean Sea as seen from Rosh Hanikra, close to the Lebanese border, northern Israel May 4, 2021.

The Israeli and American naval forces have reinforced their military relationship through a two-week collaborative maritime exercise.

The exercise, codenamed Intrinsic Defender, took place off the coast of Haifa and marked the latest installment in a series of joint maneuvers between the Israeli Navy and the US 5th Fleet, which is stationed in the Persian Gulf.

Commander Lt. Ido Niv of the Navy’s Snapir Unit, an integral part of the 914th Patrol Squadron, expressed the strategic importance of fortifying ties with the US Navy. Lt. Niv said that this engagement enabled his unit to refine and elevate its operational capabilities through the exchange of insights and experiences with their American counterparts.

"The Navy carries out numerous exercises aimed at strengthening relationships with countries like the US, Germany, and Italy. The purpose of this drill was to engage in shared learning on specific matters, thereby strengthening relationships. These endeavors greatly benefit the Snapir Unit," Lt. Niv said during a phone interview with The Times of Israel.

During the comprehensive two-week exercise, sailors practiced detection and monitoring at sea, vessel inspection, search and rescue operations, neutralization of hostile vessels, and countering terror activities.

Recent developments in the Persian Gulf have seen increased tensions as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) conducted surprise military exercises on three islands that are subjects of dispute between Iran and the United Arab Emirates earlier this month. Iran has also reportedly attempted to disrupt maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and its adjacent waters

In response, the United States has reinforced its military presence in the region, further intensifying the already complex geopolitical landscape in the area.