IDF SPOKESPERSONS ANNOUNCEMENT
November 4th, 2009

Massive Arms Shipment Intended for Hezbollah Intercepted by Israel Navy

An exceptionally large quantity of weapons, rockets, and missiles was
uncovered onboard a cargo vessel intercepted by the Israel Navy Special
Forces and brought to the Ashdod port.

Dozens of shipping containers found on the ship were carrying numerous
weapons and ordnance disguised as civilian cargo among hundreds of other
containers onboard.

Israel Naval and Engineering Corps forces are currently unloading the
containers and are sorting through the various types of weaponry found
onboard.

As part of the Israel Navy’s routine activity to maintain security and
prevent arms smuggling, a force comprised of naval commandos, missile boats,
and intelligence and explosive experts intercepted a cargo vessel bearing
the name “Francop”, which was flying an Antiguan flag.

The naval commando force boarded the vessel and conducted an initial search.
The search was conducted in accordance with the usual search protocols as
dictated by International Law.

Following the initial search and after it became clear that the vessel was
carrying weapons, the vessel was directed by the Israel Navy to dock at an
Israel Navy base in Ashdod in for additional searches and a detailed
inspection of the hull’s cargo.

It should be emphasized that the Captain of the ship agreed to the search.
The Israel Navy conducted all activity without the need for force of any
kind.

The weapons found onboard the ship originate from Iran, and were intended to
reach the Hezbollah terror organization for use against the State of Israel
and its citizens. The weapons uncovered at sea last night constitute a harsh
violation of UN Security Council Resolutions 1747 and 1701 that strictly
forbid Iran from exporting or trading any form of weapons.

This is a well-known Iranian technique, taking advantage of cargo ships
flying different flags in order to smuggle containers loaded with large
amounts of highly volatile weaponry to terrorist organizations such as
Hezbollah.

The Iranians continue to act deceptively while blatantly ignoring and
violating both International Law and UN Security Council decisions. They
relentlessly act under the guise and flags of different countries in order
to arm and encourage extremist factions that strive to destabilize the
Middle East and other regions.

Last night’s interception is part of continuous overt and covert IDF
operations on various fronts, both near and far. Such operations are vital
to maintain Israel’s security, to prevent arms smuggling and to counter
terror operations.

Following the necessary inspections of the boat, it is expected to be
released.

The overnight operation was authorized by the Prime Minister and the
Minister of Defense of the State of Israel.

Commander of the Israel Navy, Maj. Gen. Eliezer Marom, commanded the
operation from a forward command cell. The IDF Chief of the General Staff
authorized the operation, after the confirmation of intelligence information
gathered by the IDF.

This entry was posted on Thursday, November 5th, 2009 and is filed under news.