Despite Israel's reluctance to take a clear stance on the war between Ukraine and Russia, the Israeli Navy is currently partaking in NATO's multi-national "Noble Dina" exercise in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea Basin.
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After being canceled in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, Israel took part in the exercise in March of last year in the waters southwest of Cyprus, joining vessels from the United States, Greece, Cyprus, and France for a five-day exercise.
The Noble Dina exercise has previously included counterterrorism scenarios and drills to protect ports. Ships have also practiced anti-submarine procedures and conducted search-and-rescue scenarios as well as a simulated battle between ships. Another purpose of the exercise is to enhance cooperation between the various navies and enrich their repository of operational knowledge.
Amid heightened tensions in Ukraine between Russia and the West, and with NATO in particular, Israel considered withdrawing from the exercise to avoid being perceived as taking a non-neutral stance in the conflict. After a discussion on the matter, however, IDF chief of staff Lt. Gen. Aviv Kochavi decided to participate as planned.
This year, as in previous years, Israeli missile ships, a submarine, and other naval forces will partake in the drill, which is slated to conclude this weekend.
"These exercises are of paramount importance in strengthening the navy's connection with foreign fleets who share common interests," Rear Admiral Eyal Harel, the head of Israeli naval operations, said during last year's exercise.
In 2020, Israel, Greece, and Cyprus signed a deal to build a gas pipeline in the East Mediterranean, and a new subsea cable is also undergoing construction.
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