Tevet 21, 5717 – December 25, 1956
Eilat
The IDF ship AHI Miznak anchored in Eilat after sailing around Africa.
Israel fought the Sinai Campaign of 1956 after Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser blockaded the Straits of Tiran and marine access to Eilat. Having captured most of the desert peninsula separating Egypt from Israel and ensured free passage to Eilat, on November 8 1956 Prime Minister David Ben Gurion agreed to withdraw from Sinai on as a result of intense American and Soviet pressure. Two Israeli warships were sent from Haifa to sail around Africa all the way to Eilat as a demonstration of Israeli strength and the freedom of its shipping. AHI Miznak was the first to return, after 2 months at sea and a voyage of 25000 km.
Operation Hercules demostrated Israel’s determination to maintain its independence on land, air and water.
Yaron LivaiRoute of the journey, from a soldier’s notebook of the voyage