Foreign Ministry warned Israel Navy not to raid Gaza flotilla in international waters

Published 02:26 10.06.10
Latest update 02:26 10.06.10


In preparatory discussions, government cautioned that such an action would hamper Israel on the diplomatic and public relations front worldwide.

By Barak Ravid

During the government's preparatory discussions over how to handle the Gaza-bound aid flotilla, the Foreign Ministry advised that Israel's security forces wait for the ships to reach the country's territorial waters - which lie within 20 miles from the coast - before launching a takeover operation.

According to a senior official in Jerusalem, Foreign Ministry diplomats said that despite the legality of overtaking the ships in international waters, such an action would hamper Israel on the diplomatic and public relations front worldwide.

Yesterday the forum of seven senior ministers convened again to discuss the creation of an inquiry committee that would be tasked with probing the flotilla raid and easing the blockade on the Gaza Strip.

Following the meeting, the ministers did not release a statement regarding the formation of a panel, which is perhaps indicative of continuing disagreement with the Obama administration over the mandate and composition of the committee.

The Americans would like the committee to include an international entity to placate Turkey, which remains adamant in demanding an international investigation under the auspices of the United Nations.

Jerusalem is expected to announce the formation of a panel soon. One of the key issues to be examined by the committee is the legality of the navy's actions in the eyes of international law.

in full: http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/foreign-ministry-warned-israel-navy-not-to-raid-gaza-flotilla-in-international-waters-1.295227

...major cock-up as possible. When I say cock-up, probably read "soon-to-be war crime".

Apparently, now allowing licorice into Gaza will not be enough to cause Turkey, et al. to drop their building case(s) against the illegality and lawlessness of the Israeli attack, murder and kidnapping of another nation's citizens in international waters.

Who knew?

:shrug:

Citizens from about 37 different nations were victims and later, hostages. Admittedly, the U.S. was one of those nations but they still have to worry about the outcry, political ramifications and legal threats coming from the other 36.

PB