Both Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon and the ISA (Israel Security Agency – Shin Bet) remain opposed to permitting the Hamas regime in Gaza operate a seaport. This they feel would only ease Hamas’ ongoing efforts to advance acts of terror and its war against Israel.

Walla News on Wednesday, 15 Adar-I quotes a senior security source explaining “anything that has to get into Gaza can be brought via the Port of Ashdod”, releasing the statement ahead of a planned meeting of the Security Cabinet which will discuss a Gaza seaport. The source adds “We have no intensions of closing our eyes to what takes place in Gaza. No one can entertain such a process, permitting Hamas to operate a seaport”.

In the past there have been a number of attempts to break the IDF Navy marine blockade on Gaza, including the infamous Mavi Marmara, which resulted in a breakdown in relations between Israel and Turkey as Turkish nationals on the vessel were killed.

Officials are reporting that Turkish officials and Israel continue dialogue towards a resumption of diplomatic ties and at present, Israel is reviewing the list of demands submitted by Turkey.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)