The two new landing ships, the INS Nachshon and the INS Komemiyut, arrived in Israel this evening in a festive ceremony after completing a three-week journey from the United States.
The two ships, received this week at the Navy base in Ashdod, will serve as the foundation for the new landing craft operation under a dedicated squadron at the southern base. The ships of the LSV type (Logistic Support Vessel) were built in US military shipyards and have now been fully integrated into Israel.
At the ceremony, the Minister of Defence stated: "In order to enable regional superiority and ensure Israel's ability to defend itself in any arena required, we continue to expand and enhance the variety of tools available to our Navy with the new landing ships we are receiving, which represent another tangible expression of this effort: new equipment with enhanced operational capabilities. For commanders and soldiers who will have these landing ships under their command, they will transform from operational tools and enable the IDF to operate flexibly and creatively. I am confident that you will continue to do everything necessary for the success of this groundbreaking initiative for the Israeli Navy and the State of Israel."
The Commander of the Navy himself was also moved by the reception of the new equipment and explained: "This is a historic evening. Very meaningful, exciting, and yet complex. In times of war, so correct, while facing Lebanon's border, Gaza's Strip, and even much further spaces, and this week is an example of that – we are strengthening. The arrival of the landing ships is a natural continuation of a long years' process of strengthening and building power, of operational, creative, and courageous action. The Komemiyut and Nachshon ships will open new doors for the IDF, figuratively and literally. They will expand new horizons for us and enable us to carry out operational actions tailored to the operational needs and challenges of Israel's maritime arena."
