Israel’s Security Cabinet orders military to halt Gaza flotilla
Jewish Telegraph
27-Jun-2011

JERUSALEM (JTA) -- Israel's Security Cabinet ordered the Israel Defense Forces to prevent the upcoming flotilla to Gaza from reaching the coastal strip. The inner cabinet made up of senior members on Monday also directed the Foreign Ministry to continue its diplomatic efforts to stop the flotilla from setting sail. The flotilla of about 10 ships is scheduled to leave from ports as early as Tuesday, and meet in the Mediterranean Sea where it will continue on to Gaza. Monday's Cabinet decisions come on the heels of a meeting Sunday during which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would not allow the flotilla ships to breach Israel's maritime blockade of Gaza. Meanwhile, Israel's Navy has prepared for different scenarios, should its commandos be required to board any of the flotilla ships. Israel has said it will take any humanitarian aid directly to Gaza if the flotilla ships are brought into an Israeli port. Israel has also secured an agreement from Egypt's interim government to allow the flotilla ships to unload their aid in the El Arish port and take it into Gaza. Also on Monday, Netanyahu asked the Government Press Office to reconsider its threat to ban foreign journalists from the country for 10 years if they participate in the Gaza flotilla. The head of Israel's Government Press Office threatened the ban in a letter sent Sunday to Israel-based foreign journalists. "As the Director of the Government Press Office, I would like to make it clear to you ... >>>

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