Israeli defense officials are holding operational discussions ahead of an anticipated protest flotilla from Europe to the Gaza Strip, Channel 12 News reported.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FCC) recently announced plans to launch another flotilla in October. The vessels are expected to stop in Spain, Portugal and Italy before heading toward Gaza to breach “the illegal and deadly blockade imposed by Israel on Gaza.”
Israeli intelligence currently assesses that the flotilla will be relatively small, comprising only a handful of vessels and several dozen anti-Israel activists. Nevertheless, defense officials are preparing for the possibility that the flotilla could expand as its departure date approaches.
The IDF has begun preliminary preparations and established a clear policy during its discussions: Israel will not permit the vessels to breach the maritime blockade. If participants refuse to comply with instructions and warnings, Shayetet 13 naval commandos may be ordered to board and seize control of the vessels at sea.
A similar incident occurred in June, when the Global Sumud flotilla attempted to breach the blockade. Shayetet 13 intercepted the flotilla and detained those aboard. The flotilla, which comprised 57 vessels carrying hundreds of anti-Israel activists, had departed from Marmaris, Turkey.
(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)
One Response
Don’t seize ’em. Sink ’em. Show them that flotillas are fine when they keep away from Israeli border (yes, the blockade is a border). Breach and become fish food. Simple. Israel gets bad press either way. All the “nice” stuff never helps.