In the world in which we live leaders of the Iranian regime are welcomed and received with VIP honors when they arrive in New York City, but a retired IDF admiral is detained for questioning in a UK airport.

Admiral Eli Merom, who commanded the Israel Navy during Operation Cast Lead, the counter-terrorism military offensive in Gaza, as well as during the IDF raid on the Mavi Marmara terrorist ship which traveled under the guise of a humanitarian mission to Gaza does not enjoy the same privilege of free travel as leaders of Iran, those who vow to destroy the State of Israel and continue to threaten the Western world.

Merom was held for questioning upon his arrival in Heathrow Airport. During his detention he phoned the Justice Ministry in Israel and it appears he was released a short time thereafter. Israel Radio reported on Monday afternoon, 10 Cheshvan 5774 that the former naval commander was released after ten minutes.

A number of senior military officers and state officials over recent years have canceled planned visits to the UK over threats of being arrested. This is the result if the UK accepting lawsuits from pro-PA (Palestinian Authority) organizations. Such threats resulted in Tzipi Livni canceling a planned visit in 2011.

In the case of retired IDF Major-General Doron Almog, who was facing war crimes charges for his role as senior commander over the Southern District and “crimes” committed in Gaza, he was tipped off upon his arrival in the UK by an Israeli diplomat and he remained on the plane and headed back home.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)