The Israeli navy is preparing for the possibility of a new interception operation targeting a flotilla heading for the Gaza Strip, following last week’s operation in which a flotilla was intercepted by Israeli forces off the coast of Crete.
According to reports in Israeli media, the main concern this time is the potential involvement of vessels from Turkey, as well as the possibility that activists on board may be armed with firearms or bladed weapons.
Such a scenario, according to Israeli security assessments, would significantly increase the risk to Israeli Defence Forces soldiers who would be tasked with taking control of the vessels.
A security source quoted by the Walla news site referred to a video containing anti‑Israeli statements, in which activists from Turkey declare their readiness to set sail for Gaza. In the same video, however, the activists state that they are awaiting “orders from above,” a phrase interpreted in Israel as a reference to approval from the Turkish government.
The commander of the Israeli navy, Eyal Harel, who had authorised the previous interception operation, is reported to have also approved new operational plans for an extreme scenario. The plans include stages of intervention and the deployment of forces depending on available intelligence.
At the same time, Israel’s Foreign Ministry is engaged in diplomatic efforts towards European countries from which vessels have departed or may depart, with the aim of preventing a new voyage towards Gaza before it escalates into an operational crisis.
Source: CNA