Rep. Peter King�s recent statement on the Flotilla Incident:

�I strongly stand with Israel in the flotilla crisis.

�It is regretful but not surprising that world opinion once again blames Israel for the flotilla incident that occurred over the weekend.� Common sense tells us this was no humanitarian mission to Gaza.� Humanitarians and peace activists do not arm themselves with knives, clubs, and other weapons.� This was, without a doubt, a premeditated act with the intention of provoking the Israeli military into a confrontation (which it did) in the hopes of ending the naval blockade of Gaza.� And even though Israel took every reasonable and legal step that was appropriate to prevent the ship from reaching Gaza, even offering to off-load the cargo and transfer it after being inspected for military contraband, it was rebuffed.

�Israel must have the right to defend itself.� The embargo is in place to prevent rockets, munitions, and other materials from getting into the hands of Hamas, a terrorist organization that calls for the destruction of Israel and just this week launched rockets at Israeli cities.� Israel seeks only peace and security with its neighbors but unfortunately Hamas and its supporters do not have the same goals.�

(YWN Desk – NYC)