Ashdod Naval Base (Southern Arena)

Ashdod Naval Base, designated the Southern Arena by the Israeli Navy, is an Israeli Navy base in the port city of Ashdod, on Israel's southern coast, adjoining the south side of the Port of Ashdod. It is responsible for surveillance of the Gaza Strip coastline, enforcement of the naval blockade of the Gaza Strip, and protection of the Port of Ashdod. Vessels intercepted while attempting to reach Gaza by sea are brought to the base for inspection. The base is commanded by an officer of colonel rank.

The base hosts the 916th Patrol Squadron of the 15th Flotilla, which guards Israel's maritime borders with Super Dvora Mk II-class and Shaldag-class patrol boats and unmanned surface vehicles. The squadron's boats are grouped into four divisions, Bezeq, Kasif, Trigon and Shark, each led by a qualified vessel commander of captain or major rank. The 11th Flotilla, the navy's amphibious landing craft force, has been based at Ashdod since its re-establishment in 2022 and operates landing ships for amphibious landings and supply transport. Elements of Snapir, the navy's protection and harbour security unit, are also stationed at the base. During operations off Gaza the base also directs naval units that are not permanently assigned to it.

A temporary base was set up inside the port in 1965 and construction of a permanent camp south of the port began the same year; the permanent camp was inaugurated on 12 August 1968. An early-1980s plan to move the base to Ashkelon, closer to Gaza, was dropped after opposition from the municipality of Ashdod. After the creation of the Palestinian Authority in the Gaza Strip the base took on a standing patrol force of five, later seven, patrol boats, and it has directed the Gaza blockade since 2007.