Israel navy resumes sailing in Suez Canal

JERUSALEM, July 3 (UPI) -- After a four-year break, the Israel Navy has resumed sailing through the Suez Canal, The Jerusalem Post said in an exclusive report.

According to the report published Friday, the navy, in a distinct change in policy, recently sent a Dolphin class submarine, through the canal to participate in drills in the Red Sea off the southern tip of Israel.

In 2005, Naval Commander David Ben-Bashat decided to stop using the canal due to growing threats in the region.

The paper said the move could be perceived as a strengthening of ties between Egypt and Israel, and a signal to Iran that it can move quickly, in the event of a conflict with the Islamic Republic.

The Israel Navy has three Dolphin class submarines, which according to foreign reports are able to fire nuclear tipped cruise missiles, the paper said.