While he is not the only one mentioned in a negative light in the state comptroller’s 153-page report released on the Mavi Marmara operation, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is cited as being inadequately prepared.

The report states that the decision to go ahead with the naval commando operation against the Gaza flotilla vessel was hurried and the decision-making process was flawed. Too many people were kept in the dark, including the National Security Council.

While others are mentioned, the blame rests squarely on the shoulders of the prime minister, blaming Mr. Netanyahu of failing to inform and include others in the decision, failing to coordinate properly, and failing to inform even the most senior military officers.

The report cites that IDF Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi repeatedly warned the prime minister of the potential for many casualties in the commando operation, but his and other warnings were ignored. It has been documented that Ashkenazi sent a letter to both the prime minister and Defense Minister Ehud Barak warning of violence on the part of the vessel’s passengers, which is what occurred, but this warning was also ignored.

During a briefing meeting called by the defense minister just three weeks before the operation, Ashkenazi issued yet another warning of the possibility of an attack, requesting that the defense minister adequately explain to cabinet ministers the dangers faced by the planned mission.

Barak did warn that Marmara passengers may use gunfire against the commando force, instructing them to do their utmost to prevent harm to the uninvolved. Barak called on Ashkenazi to present a number of alternative plans to the prime minister as well.

In the next meeting, which was held a week later, the defense minister stepped up his warnings, fearing passengers of the Marmara would use gunfire against the commando force. His fears were not shared by Navy Admiral Eliezer Marom.

About ten days before the mission, at a General Staff meeting, senior officers warned of violence and their position was echoed by Ashkenazi.

And finally, at the meeting with 7-member Security Cabinet five days ahead of the mission, Ashkenazi continued sounding warnings of a violent confrontation on the vessel.

“I want to clarify that this is not going to be easy, which we will get it done. However, it is not a two minute operation,” he said.

Mr. Netanyahu responded that he did not receive information regarding danger being posed by the vessel. The prime minister insists that during all the meetings, he was never warned of the possibility of a violent confrontation.

In the responses given to the state comptroller as the report was being prepared, the prime minister and his staff reiterated they were never warned the IDF may not be prepared to deal with the vessel.

State Comptroller Justice Micha Lindenstrauss concludes that security officials did anticipate and armed conflict.

Following is a statement by the Prime Minister’s Spokesman Mark Regev:

Israel’s democratic process includes institutional mechanisms for independent oversight and we thank the State Comptroller for his work.

We reiterate that the panel established by the UN Secretary General to investigate the flotilla incident clearly ruled that the maritime blockade to prevent weapons reaching the terrorists in Gaza is legitimate self defense and that Israel’s decision to intercept the flotilla was indeed legal under international law. Ultimately, weapons that reach Hamas in Gaza end up being used against Israeli civilians.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)