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Ben-Gvir Announces Altalena Wreck Found 20km Off Israel

8/25/2026

Summary

Ben-Gvir Announces Wreck

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir announced the Altalena wreck was found offshore.
A survey located the wreck 20 km off Israel’s coast at 503 m depth using sonar.
Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu funded the roughly 1 million-shekel search.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz were not briefed before the announcement.

Summary

Heritage Ministry Evaluates

The Heritage Ministry is evaluating a floating memorial or maritime heritage center to commemorate the Altalena wreck.
Survey of Israel will conduct detailed in-situ documentation because the wreck’s depth makes recovery unfeasible.
Director Roni Sadeh credited advanced sonar and a dedicated sea team for locating the ship beyond 500-meter diver limits.
Officials are weighing selective section recovery pending assessment of the wreck’s current condition.

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Ben-Gvir Announces Wreck

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir announced the Altalena wreck was found offshore.
A survey located the wreck 20 km off Israel’s coast at 503 m depth using sonar.
Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu funded the roughly 1 million-shekel search.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz were not briefed before the announcement.

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