Photo: REUTERS
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (C) arrives at the weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem, February 20, 2011
Israel says it takes a "grave" view of Iran's plan to send two warships through Egypt's Suez Canal into the Mediterranean, in what would be Tehran's first such move since its 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made the comment to his Cabinet Sunday, calling the passage of Iranian warships through the Suez Canal a ploy by Iran to extend its regional influence at a time of instability.
Suez Canal officials say they expect the Iranian frigate and supply ship to enter the waterway Monday en route to Syria. They denied reports by Iranian state-run television that the warships already had crossed the canal Sunday.
Egypt's new military rulers approved an Iranian request for the transit of the two vessels last Friday, despite decades of strained relations between the two sides.
Netanyahu said Israel perceives a growing security risk in the region and will increase its defense spending accordingly. Israel views Iran as an existential threat because of Tehran's frequent calls for the demise of the Jewish state and an Iranian nuclear program that Israeli officials say is aimed at producing weapons.
Iran says its nuclear work is peaceful.
Vessels intending to pass through the Suez Canal must give the waterway's authority at least 24 hours notice before entering.
The Convention of Constantinople, signed in 1888, guarantees the right of passage through the canal for all seagoing vessels, military or civilian, at all times.
International agreements specifically call for the canal to remain open in wartime, but there have been a number of closures during past conflicts.