The nine-meter-long (30-foot) "Protector" boat, pictures of which were published in Yediot Aharonot daily, is undergoing final tests before being put into action by the navy.

The vessel can reach speeds of up to 70 kilometres per hour (43 miles per hour) and is fitted with a radar system, cameras which can identify targets and a light machine-gun.

Israel last month pulled all of its troops out of the Gaza Strip but has continued to use pilotless drone planes to attack Palestinian militants.

The development of the Protector opens up the possibility of patrolling the seas off the territory without putting its troops at risk.

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