(VIDEO) For the first time, IDF Navy officials allowed representatives from Tunisia and Algeria to board and tour one of Israel’s missile boats, during a joint Israeli-Greek exercise.
Officials from Egypt, Morocco, and Jordan also participated in the tour.
Navy missile boat (Video: IDF Spokesperson's Office)
The exercise, which was planned by the Greeks, simulated a disaster situation as a result of an earthquake. Senior Navy official Noam Feig stressed the importance of taking part in such humanitarian exercises in cooperation with other Mediterranean nations.
“That’s why we immediately said we would participate in this exercise,” he said.
Israel sent a missile boat to take part in the drill, including two surgical units with medical teams able to perform almost any type of operation. A chopper flew the “injured” to the missile boat, which also received other “victims” arriving in rubber boats.
The exercise was attended by Arab representatives, with some of them serving as observers and others assisting the medical teams. Navy officials were debating earlier how to approach the sensitive issue, as Israel does not maintain diplomatic relations with some of the countries. Eventually, officials decided on full cooperation, including with representatives from Algeria and Tunisia.
The atmosphere during the tour on the boat was excellent, with an Algerian official telling Israeli troops and commanders that his country also suffers from terrorism and a joint effort was required to fight the phenomenon.
During a dinner attended by officials from various countries, the Jordanian official said such exercises could bring the nations closer together and promote peace, as was the case with Israel and Jordan.
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