The Israeli government instructed the army and the navy to intercept, and if necessary, to use force against the two Lebanese ships that would be heading to Gaza to deliver humanitarian supplies.Israeli daily, Haaretz, said that the security services in Israel still do not know when the ships will be sailing from Lebanon to Gaza, but will likely sail this Sunday.
The ships, “Naji al-Ali” and “Mariam,” are filled with humanitarian supplies for the besieged Gaza Strip.
The Israeli government said that should the army “face resistance” after boarding the ships, the soldiers will use the same methods and techniques used in attacking the Turkish Mavi Marmara, nearly three weeks ago, leading to the death of nine peace activists and dozens of injuries.
An Israeli official said that Israel took into consideration the criticisms and reactions of the international community against the attack on the Marmara ship, but has no other solution to the issue rather than attacking them should they decide to continue sailing to Gaza.
