U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyer USS Ross
The USS Ross, a U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyer, docked in Israel’s southern Port of Ashdod on Monday.
According to Israeli news website Ashdod.net, the USS Ross -- which last visited the port in 1999 -- “is famous for firing Tomahawk missiles at the Daesh terrorist group’s bases in Syria”.
During their stay, crewmembers will visit several local sites in Ashdod and participate in activities with local residents, the website reported.
And on Thursday, it added, the U.S. embassy in Israel (recently relocated to Jerusalem) will hold a “special ceremony” marking the 234th anniversary of the U.S. Navy’s establishment.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has informed his cabinet that the army is preparing for a possible military campaign against the blockaded Gaza Strip in case the situation was not improved, according to Israeli media.“If the reality of civil distress in Gaza is diminished, that is desirable, but that is not certain to happen, and so we are preparing militarily — that is not an empty statement,” Netanyahu said.Egypt and the UN have been doing efforts to carry out major projects in Gaza, especially in the sectors of water, electricity and sanitation to avert a possible humanitarian crisis.Israel arrests sister of West Bank shooterSeveral Palestinian, Israeli and international humanitarian reports have warned of deterioration in humanitarian conditions in the strip, which has been reeling under a crippling Israeli blockade since 2007.In 2014, Israel waged a devastating 51-day military onslaught on the Gaza Strip, in which more than 2,300 Palestinians were martyred and tens of thousands injured.Since March, more than 190 Palestinians have been martyred -- and thousands more injured -- by Israeli army fire during anti-occupation protests near border of the Gaza Strip.Israel frees Palestinian after 30 years behind bars
Israel preparing for offensive against Gaza: Netanyahu
The website went on to quote Port Director Orna Bikhor as saying: "Washington and Israel have common interests in the region, so we expect to see more [U.S.] ships dock in Ashdod.”
"The return of American naval vessels to Ashdod reflects the depth of Israeli-U.S. relations," she asserted.
According to Israel’s Channel 10, the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer carries a crew of 400 naval personnel.