- Jul 1, 2018
- 2,149
State of Israel
Security Classification: Encrypted
Recipient: Prime Minister Simon Welsh, Government of Canada (Nathan)
I have received your request for a Canadian warship HMCS Halifax to dock at the Port of Haifa under the banner of hosting a ceremonial function on board to which local dignitaries and citizens will be invited to attend, after speaking with my advisers we have decided to accept this request and will pass on the appropriate documentation to the Port of Haifa to make preparations for your arrival. I must inform you now that there has been intelligence passed onto us by my Australian counterparts that Saudi Arabia and Turkey may be coordinating plans to enforce a blockade on traffic entering Israel via the sea & air, whilst nothing has been detected as of yet, we only feel right that we inform you of the risk displayed that could affect your vessel and crew on board. I am free to discuss any other requests that you may have and I am able to discuss these when required.
I will also be at the Port of Haifa to meet with the ships crew which will go a long way to strengthening Canadian and Israeli relations which have flourished under previous governments.
Best Regards,
Avigdor Lieberman
Minister of Defence
State of Israel