“Shield” naval defense plan to cost extra 3 billion shekels ($757 million), includes four new ships and advanced equipment
• Hezbollah trying to stockpile sophisticated anti-ship missiles • Rigs expected to supply 70 percent of Israel’s gas needs; if they are compromised Israel could be brought to a standstill.
By Lilach Shoval and Israel Hayom Staff
In light of increased verbal threats from Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah to target Israel’s economic interests in the Mediterranean Sea, Israel Defense Forces Chief of General Staff Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz has authorized a plan to add four new ships to the navy’s fleet to safeguard the country’s gas rigs, located some 185 kilometers (about 115 miles) off the Israeli coast.
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