Operation Full Disclosure | |
Partof: | the Iran–Israel proxy conflict |
Planned By: | Israeli Navy |
Objective: | Seize merchant vessel KLOS C |
Executed: | 5 March 2014 |
Executed By: | Shayetet 13 and Shayetet 3 (INS Hanit, INS Hetz) |
Outcome: | Successful Israeli naval interception |
Operation Full Disclosure (Hebrew: מבצע חשיפה מלאה) was a military operation carried out by the Israel Defense Forces on March 5, 2014, in the Red Sea.[1] After days of surveillance far out to sea, Israeli Navy Shayetet 13 commandos seized the Iranian-owned and Panamanian-registered merchant vessel Klos C that had set sail from Iran, heading for Port Sudan via Iraq.[2] On board, the commandos found long-range missiles suspected to be destined for the Gaza Strip concealed in containers full of Iranian bags marked as Portland cement.[3] An unnamed senior Egyptian security official reportedly confirmed that the arms shipment was headed for militants in either Gaza or Sinai.[4] A UN panel of experts concluded that the weapons came from Iran and were being sent to Sudan, accusing Iran of violating the arms embargo.[5] United Nations Security Council Resolution 1929 authorizes states to seize items, including arms, that Iran is forbidden from exporting.
The operation was led by Major General Ram Rothberg, commander-in-chief of the Israel Navy, on board Sa'ar 5-class corvette INS Hanit. INS Hetz, a Sa'ar 4.5-class missile boat, also participated.[6]