A Shaldag class patrol boat. Photo: Math Knight.

In response to increasing chaos in Syria and Lebanon, the Israeli navy integrated the latest additions to its arsenal: three high powered German ‘Dolphin’ submarines, Israel’s Channel 2 reported on Tuesday.

The navy’s latest acquisitions are part of a wider shift towards a new operational approach that melds the natural advantages that the country’s land and sea forces can potentially provide to one another.

According to Brigadier General Eli Shravit, Commander of Haifa’s naval base, “Land warfare will be enhanced by what the navy can contribute: intelligence, useful vantage points of enemy targets, and a rapid firing capability.”

Shravit also observed that, “The best Russian and Iranian hardware is finding its way to Syria and Lebanon… We now assume that whatever weaponry is being used by Hezbollah is also being used in Syria – and vice versa.”

The Haifa naval base commander added that despite the mayhem engulfing Syria, the country’s navy, “…is highly functional and features advanced weaponry and technology.” Regarding Hezbollah, Shravit said the terrorist organization continues trying to, “… get its hands on chemical weapons…” and is already in possession of Yakhont missiles, Channel 2 said.

Despite the threats, Shravit emphasized that Israel is, “…prepared, constantly on the alert and ready to respond with an array of possible solutions.”