Photo by GPO

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert this afternoon  sailed aboard the INS Eilat, a Saar-5 missile frigate.  He also met with GOC Navy Maj.-Gen. David Ben-Bashat, senior Navy commanders and the crew of the ship.  The Prime Minister was briefed on the Navy’s activities on both the northern and southern fronts, as well as on the Navy inquiry into the recent attack on the INS Hanit during the fighting in the north.
 

Photo by GPO

Prime Minister Olmert told senior Navy commanders: “You have impressed me and there is much to be proud of here.  I assume that you were distressed by the attack on the INS Hanit.  This is legitimate.  But the Navy recovered very quickly.  It is very important the Israeli public know this.  Ours is a fully capable fighting Navy.  We are not playing by their rules but according to ours.  This operation has had impressive achievements.  In the future, when we have the perspective of history, we will understand that this was a change in the Middle East.  I am proud of you for the strength and the power that you provide to the Navy.  You are all-around fighters and I believe that you will succeed in your missions.”