Standard Club informs that because of the continuing situation in Israel and ongoing rocket attacks, it is not currently recommended that ships call at the port of Ashkelon.
More specifically, cargo vessels, excluding those carrying dangerous cargo, are allowed to call at Ashdod Port. The more northerly ports of Hadera and Haifa are reported to be operating normally.
Tensions between Israel and Palestine have risen substantially in the past weeks. Port and energy infrastructure are at this stage assessed to be proxy targets.
According to Dryad Global, after the eviction of 12 Palestinian families from their homes in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood in East-Jerusalem, protests erupted which led to violent clashes between protesters and security forces.
Key targets have included Askhelon, Ashdod, Tel Aviv, including Israel’s main airport Ben Gurion which was forced to close. In addition, there have also been reports of alerts in Gaza border communities, and the Southeastern cities of Beersheba and Dimona.
Port and energy infrastructure are at this stage assessed to be proxy targets with any damage resulting from the indiscriminate nature of attacks however such targets are known to be part of the wider strategic intent of Hamas and the PIJ.
Dryad adds that militants are also understood to have access to the Iranian made Fajr-5 surface – to – surface rocket. The Fajr-5 is understood to have a range of 75km and was originally designed as an unguided artillery system and is understood to remain in service as an unguided anti-ship missile used by the IRGC(N).
However, it is assessed that there is no stated intent to target wider commercial shipping. Nevertheless, ports and offshore infrastructure remain at heightened risk with attacks and associated damage a realistic possibility.
Dear friends : To the Security of Askelon Port its necessary some thing like a Maritime Iron Dome adapted to sea. This is my suggestion for you !.