[A Navy Vet]

Of course there was a flag flying. However, depending on the course of the ship, her speed, and the speed of any wind, it's very possible the flag was laying vertical to its mast. If the weather were hazy, it would be even more difficult to see the flag.

The question I can't get past, is why the Israeli pilots didn't try international channels for a possible I.D. The whole thing sounds like overzealous trigger happy aviator and ground controllers.

[cmsgop]

The question I can't get past, is why the Israeli pilots didn't try international channels for a possible I.D. The whole thing sounds like overzealous trigger happy aviator and ground controllers.

Thats my feeling too.

[taxesareforever]

I agree with you about trying the international channels. However, I haven't seen any articles stating that a flag was flying. As for the wind, the transcript said the ship was moving away at a fast rate of speed. This tells me that the flag would have been waving.