Egyptian Navy launches largest exercise in history celebrating attack on
Israel
Dr. Aaron Lerner Date: 20 October 2008

Haaretz correspondent Yoav Stern reports in today's Hebrew edition:
www.haaretz.co.il/hasite/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=1030051&contrassID=1&subContrassID=7&sbSubContrassID=0

that the Egyptian Navy will carry out the largest exercise in its history at
the end of this week, calling it "Victory 41" to mark the sinking of the
Israeli Navy vessel Eilat 41years ago. 47 Israeli sailors died and 91 were
wounded in the attack. The day has been set as a holiday for Egyptian naval
forces.

Stern quotes an interview in Al Ahram in which Vice admiral Mohab Mamish,
Commander In Chief Of The Egyptian Navy, notes that the Egyptian Navy has
advanced world class frigates, destroyers, fast missile boats, and
submarines outfitted with advanced missiles and that the Navy has supply
contracts with Germany, Russia and the U.S.

Stern notes in contrast that Israel has only a few missile boats.

Stern reports that Israeli official are not concerned by the considerable
advantage that the Egyptian Navy has over the Israeli Navy in terms of its
size and the weapons system it has "since there is peace between the
countries."

It should be emphasized this was apparently not a sarcastic remark reported
by Stern tongue in cheek but instead presented as if it were a genuine,
logical, serious and responsible position.

Dr. Aaron Lerner, Director IMRA (Independent Media Review & Analysis)
(Mail POB 982 Kfar Sava)
Tel 972-9-7604719/Fax 972-3-7255730
INTERNET ADDRESS: imra@netvision.net.il
Website: http://www.imra.org.il