Ben Gvir accuses government of "Major Mistake" over flotilla decision

ALBAWABA - The government's decision to send activists from the "Sumud Flotilla" back to Greece rather than imprison them was strongly opposed by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, underscoring differences within the Israeli leadership.

The action was decided by Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after Israeli forces stopped the flotilla before it could enter the Gaza Strip.

Ben Gvir stated that facilities had already been set up for this reason and that security agents were ready to hold the activists at Ketziot Prison. He called the decision to release them overseas a "major error," claiming that it was a reaction to pressure from around the world.

Citing threats from Recep Tayyip Erdogan and potential sanctions from other nations as motivating considerations, he further asserted that the decision was made without consulting him.

Official position

Concerns about outside pressure were downplayed by government sources, who emphasized that Israel is still dedicated to upholding its maritime blockade on Gaza and thwarting any attempt to breach it.

Details of the operation

More than 20 of the flotilla's approximately 100 ships were reportedly taken over by Israeli authorities. The Foreign Ministry, the military, the navy, and the police coordinated the operation, according to officials.

According to authorities, the interception was conducted away from the shore in order to lower the possibility of an escalation, based on lessons learned from earlier flotilla episodes.

The incident highlights the ongoing hostilities surrounding attempts to lift the siege on Gaza and the internal discussion in Israel over how to handle such circumstances.