A Russian missile ship was denied entry to the Port of Haifa last month because security officials feared it would engage in spying activity while in dock.

For Haifa residents, seeing a foreign missile ship anchor in the port is not a unique event, one that occurs every few weeks. There is a designated place near Israel Navy vessels for foreign military ships to dock. At times, when there are several foreign military vessels docked, another will be directed to the civilian area of the port. However when a Russian navy ship made the request last month, it was denied. The ship was refused entry into the port area.

According to reports, Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon and other security experts advised against permitting the Russian vessel entry, fearing it would use advanced technology to spy while in port.

Another reason given is that Israel feared permitting the vessel entry would signal Israel has taken Russia’s side in the Ukrainian conflict, a move that might have angered the United States.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)