An exceptionally large quantity of weapons, rockets, and missiles was uncovered onboard a cargo vessel intercepted by the Israel Navy Special Forces and brought to the Ashdod port.

Dozens of shipping containers found on the ship were carrying numerous weapons and ordnance disguised as civilian cargo among hundreds of other containers onboard.

Israel Naval and Engineering Corps forces are currently unloading the containers and are sorting through the various types of weaponry found onboard.

As part of the Israel Navy's routine activity to maintain security and prevent arms smuggling, a force comprised of naval commandos, missile boats, and intelligence and explosive experts intercepted a cargo vessel bearing the name "Francop", which was flying an Antiguan flag.

The naval commando force boarded the vessel and conducted an initial search. The search was conducted in accordance with the usual search protocols as dictated by International Law.

Following the initial search and after it became clear that the vessel was carrying weapons, the vessel was directed by the Israel Navy to dock at an Israel Navy base in Ashdod in for additional searches and a detailed inspection of the hull's cargo.

It should be emphasized that the Captain of the ship agreed to the search. The Israel Navy conducted all activity without the need for force of any kind.

The weapons found onboard the ship originate from Iran, and were intended to reach the Hezbollah terror organization for use against the State of Israel and its citizens. The weapons uncovered at sea last night constitute a harsh violation of UN Security Council Resolutions 1747 and 1701 that strictly forbid Iran from exporting or trading any form of weapons.

This is a well-known Iranian technique, taking advantage of cargo ships flying different flags in order to smuggle containers loaded with large amounts of highly volatile weaponry to terrorist organizations such as Hezbollah. 

The Iranians continue to act deceptively while blatantly ignoring and violating both International Law and UN Security Council decisions.  They relentlessly act under the guise and flags of different countries in order to arm and encourage extremist factions that strive to destabilize the Middle East and other regions.

Last night's interception is part of continuous overt and covert IDF operations on various fronts, both near and far. Such operations are vital to maintain Israel's security, to prevent arms smuggling and to counter terror operations.

Following the necessary inspections of the boat, it is expected to be released.