14.10.2009
NATO Headquarters approved participation of Israeli battleship in counter terrorism Operation Active Endeavour in the Mediterranean. That was reported during visit of Admiral Eli Merom, Israeli Navy Commander to the US where the conference of world's Navy Commanders held, says Maariv today.
Principle consent of NATO command to allow Israeli battleship participate in the operation was declared firstly on August 20. Since last year an Israeli intelligence officer serves at NATO JFC Naples on a permanent basis. It is known that one of Israeli missile corvettes will take part in the operation, but which exactly crew will be the first Israeli participant of NATO operation is uncertain yet. The decision is to be made within nearest weeks.
We recall that North Atlantic Alliance administration approved new cooperation agreement with Israel on Dec 2, 2008. New agreement provides full-scale partnership between Israel and NATO in different areas including military, economical and counter-terrorism. Intelligence-sharing and exchange of experience are also expected in the context of partnership.
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