The Israeli missile boats Yaffo and Tarshish will call at Norfolk and Miami as they continue their Bicentennial good-will visit to the United States, it was disclosed today. The craft, which carry “Gabriel” surface-to-surface missiles, visited New York July 3-4 and later called at Philadelphia and Baltimore.
They are due to sail from Baltimore tonight for Norfolk, adjacent to the U.S. Naval Base in Virginia. They are scheduled to arrive at Miami on Friday. Their subsequent itinerary has not been disclosed for security reasons. There were reports last week, however, that the Israeli naval units might extend their good-will cruise to Latin American ports.
Sixty-seven of the 110 officers and seamen manning the two vessels were feted at the Indian Springs Country Club Saturday night. The celebration, attended by about 1000 guests, was arranged by the Louis D. Brandeis District of the Zionist Organization of America. Israel’s Ambassador to the U.S., Simcha Dinitz, was present as the sailors entered the clubhouse singing Israeli songs.
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