HAIFA9 (VINnews) – IDF Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir visited the Israeli Navy’s Haifa Base on Wednesday, underscoring the service’s growing role as a long-range strategic arm of the military amid ongoing regional conflicts.

Zamir toured missile boats, received a situational assessment, and met with commanders during the visit, which included Navy Commander Maj. Gen. Eyal Harel and senior naval staff.

“Upon assuming my position, I directed the strengthening of the Israeli Navy as an additional long-range strategic arm of the IDF,” Zamir said. “We are now accelerating the implementation of this operational concept.”

The chief of staff praised the Navy’s personnel for their operations “in challenging maritime theaters near and far,” including undisclosed missions, and highlighted their contribution to striking enemies and “reshaping the Middle East.”

Zamir stressed that the IDF remains ready to resume combat operations against “the Iranian terror regime,” with the Navy playing a decisive role in potential future strikes.

“The Israeli Navy has a decisive role in our ability to once again strike the terror regime with determination, as we have done in the past,” he said. “Alongside offensive activity in distant arenas, the foremost mission of the men and women of the Israeli Navy remains unchanged — defending our sovereignty, our maritime border, and the civilians of the State of Israel.”

Regarding operations in Lebanon, Zamir said Israeli forces continue to take the initiative.

“In Lebanon, we take the initiative, operate, and strike every threat. The Israeli Navy is an active partner in the operation. There is no ceasefire for our troops,” he said. “We are working to maximize the operational freedom granted to us and will seize every opportunity to remove threats to Israeli civilians and our troops.”

Zamir expressed appreciation to Harel and the Navy’s leadership for their achievements