IDF sources said the decision to allow navy vessels to sail through the canal was made recently and was a definite "change of policy" within the service. The Dolphin-class submarine sailed through last month to get from the Mediterranean to the Red Sea. Israeli officials said it passed through the canal above water, and that it was not done covertly.
"It is a question of policy," a senior officer explained. "Navy vessels have sailed through the canal on several occasions recently."
