Posted on 05/31/2010 9:16:43 PM PDT by Eyes Unclouded
The Israel Defense Forces had little trouble explaining the naval commando raid yesterday to the Israeli public. The troops slid from helicopters into a violent crowd, which attacked them with sticks. It's no wonder the troops opened fire in self-defense.
The situation in the international arena, though, is the diametric opposite. No matter how much effort it invests, Israel will never be able to explain to the world how nine civilians were killed, without a single death on our side - and the dead are citizens of the country that was until recently our best friend in the region. The consequences of this incident will necessitate a far-reaching investigation of the decision-making process and the execution.
(Excerpt) Read more at haaretz.com ...
“If Israel’s goal was to “contain” the flotilla and prevent it from triggering a major crisis, we failed utterly and completely, and in no way is this the soldiers’ fault.”
I don’t really understand what is going on. I guess IDF tasked the B-team on this as their main brainpower was being used on Iran and Lebanon? For a country with a rich history in tactical operations and who recently bombed a nuclear reactor right under Syria’s nose (and a sophisticated Russian defense system) this whole flotilla response looks crazy.
They had to have known that the organizers would aim for some blood spilled to use as a PR coup. They also could have stopped the ship using normal boarding procedures. Could have done this during the day and on live tv to show the contraband they found. Instead they repel in during the night to try and seize the boat and end up with egg on their faces.
I hope this thing blows over but with the current governments both here and in Turkey I don’t think it will. More boats are on the way so I hope the IDF gets it right next time.
Execution of the actual raid seems to have overestimated the actual “peacefulness” of those on the ship. That is something that can be forgiven, to a point, as long as they aren't dumb enough to let it happen again. I wonder whose belief it was to assume they would not be met with violence.
Noticed that there has been no response from Obama. He is so unqualified for his position he has no idea what to do.
He is contemplating these events with a finger ensconsed in his nether region..
“Israel Navy commandos: Gaza flotilla activists tried to lynch us”
I’ve worked with people that I cannot please, no matter how hard I try. I end up just doing what I think is right and pretty much ignore their protests.
It looks like it is what Israel has finally figured out. And their survival is at stake.
Any moment his teleprompter will tell him to say the IDF acted supidly and invite the Israelis and Palis to the WH for a few beers.
Did you even read the article?
I understand why the commandos fired. They were acting in legitimate defense. The fact remains is that this whole raid was poorly planned and chosen over options that would have helped Israel alot more.
Wouldn’t we all rather be reading about how Israeli Navy has remotely disabled the engines on this ship without killing anyone?
I’ll take no response on this one. seriously. he needs to fix the oil spill and stay out of this as much as possible.
San Remo Manual on International Law Applicable to Armed Conflicts at Sea 1994
Prepared by International Lawyers and Naval Experts. Convened by the International Institute of Humanitarian Law. Adopted in June 1994.
http://www.icrc.org/web/eng/siteeng0.nsf/html/57JMSU#4
Also, per the Oslo agreements, Gaza-Jerico of 1994, Agreement annex 1, Sec 1.b paragraph 4
As part of Israel's responsibilities for safety and security within the three Maritime Activity Zones, Israel Navy vessels may sail throughout these zones, as necessary and without limitations, and may take any measures necessary against vessels ... See Moresuspected of being used for terrorist activities or for smuggling arms, ammunition, drugs, goods, or for any other illegal activity. The Palestinian Police will be notified of such actions, and the ensuing procedures will be coordinated through the Maritime Coordination and Cooperation Center.
http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Peace%20Process/Guide%20to%20the%20Peace%20Process/Gaza-Jericho%20Agremeent%20Annex%20I
One by international law, the other per Israel and PA agreement. Israel was and is within it's right.
????
Neither I nor the man who wrote the article I posted (which I’m going to assume you read) are claiming Israel acted illegally. If you go back and read you will see what we were saying is that was a poorly thought out move and plays into the other sides plan.
Or I guess we should just not try to learn from mistakes. Or maybe you think the operation was a stunning success that didn’t put Israel in a diplomatic crisis.
Another “Amos” Israeli leftist in journalism.
FOOL!
DUh-bama has yet to wield his wetted finger to the four winds.
It's what happens when Israel tries to appease the socialist international press by playing footsie with these terrorist scum. (Paintball rifles??) And now, four Israeli soldiers are injured.
But Israel is nothing if not quick to learn. They will not repeat this mistake. Perhaps they will drop canisters of tear gas before boarding the next "flotilla". Set the boats on fire. Whatever. Heck, there must be a hundred ways for Israel to stop these boats without unnecessarily endangering their military people.
I have to respond. The oil/natural gas eruption, or “oil spill”, can’t be fixed by any person, least of all that poser, Obama. It’s a catastrophic, geologic event, so big it may not even have been human-caused.
I agree. This was classic commie thuggery. The video of the ‘protesters’ lifting their pipes sky high and bringing them down over and over again on their victims will show the casual Left how craven their vanguard really is. Strictly textbook because commies thrive on death. By the grace of video it remains true that you can’t fool all the people ALL the time.
Note: Back history, ongoing updates (including videos and photos) here:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2524432/posts
Correction to post no. 19: Background history...
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