UK to deploy navy ships, conduct surveillance to support 'Israel'

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: The Times
12 Oct 2023 21:06

Rishi Sunak has expressed a strong commitment to providing British support, leading to the authorization of two RFA vessels' deployment to the region.

RFA Argus pictured in Portsmouth, England, Thursday, Sept. 10, 2015 (AP)

The Times reported on Thursday that the UK is planning to dispatch two Royal Navy vessels to the Eastern Mediterranean and initiate surveillance flights over "Israel" as a display of military support intended to provide reassurance to its ally,

The government's decision to arrange evacuation flights has prompted the deployment of two Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships, RFA Argus and RFA Lyme Bay, as components of a littoral response group heading to the region.

With rocket fire hitting Ben Gurion airport this week, options for Israelis to flee the occupied territories have become more limited. Many airlines have suspended their flights to "Israel," and a British Airways aircraft had to return to London after an unsuccessful attempt to land in "Tel Aviv" on Friday. It's estimated that there are approximately 60,000 British citizens all throughout the occupied territories, including Gaza.

Foreign Secretary @JamesCleverly flew to Israel yesterday to show solidarity with the people of Israel.

Israel has the right to defend itself.

🇬🇧🇮🇱 pic.twitter.com/FCnl2DZBhp
— Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (@FCDOGovUK) October 12, 2023

The UK Foreign Office is sending officials to "Israel" to facilitate transits in and out of the territories, with the first flight scheduled to depart "Tel Aviv" today and more expected during the week.

"Israel" has already received offers of military support from the US, its closest ally. The USS Gerald R Ford, the world's largest aircraft carrier, has reached the Eastern Mediterranean, leading a carrier strike group that includes the USS Normandy, USS Thomas Hudner, USS Ramage, USS Carney, and USS Roosevelt, all guided missile ships.

A strong commitment

Rishi Sunak has expressed a strong commitment to providing British support, leading to the authorization of two RFA vessels' deployment to the region, RFA Argus currently positioned in Gibraltar, and RFA Lyme Bay, recently in the Channel.

In addition, the UK has the advantage of RAF Akrotiri airbase, which has previously been used to carry out aggressions on Syria and is strategically located for reconnaissance operations.

Clear words, strong support from British PM Rishi Sunak for Israel.
pic.twitter.com/TwmGmXlPyw
— Brian Lilley (@brianlilley) October 9, 2023

For surveillance missions, the RAF is likely to employ Rivet Joint aircraft, renowned as one of the world's most advanced spy planes. These aircraft have been extensively utilized for surveillance missions supporting Ukraine over the Black Sea, often accompanied by Typhoon fighter jets.

While the UK primarily employs P-8 Poseidons as maritime patrol vessels and submarine hunters, they could potentially be utilized to support the mission.