The IDF is preparing for the expected arrival of the ships heading to Gazan waters on Friday, a so-called humanitarian effort intended to break Israel’s embargo on Hamas-controlled Gaza.

Deputy Minister of Defense Matan Vilnai announced on Monday that effort is totally political, not humanitarian, seeking to grab the media spotlight. He has indicated the vessels will not be permitted to break Israel’s naval blockade and they will be stopped by the Israel Navy.

Preparations are underway in the Port of Ashdod, where the navy plans to bring hundreds of detainees, the passengers on board the boats, which include European parliamentarians and members of the press. Space is being prepared in Beersheva Prison to house detainees, who may face charges of illegally entering the country.

The navy will be responsible for boarding the vessels and detaining the passengers, who will be brought to the Port of Ashdod. Officials report that Israelis are among the passengers, as well as self-proclaimed human rights activists. There will a media blackout on the naval operation so the media cannot air the footage of the operation.

Police officials stress they will not permit provocateurs to create “a situation”, and the detainees will be treated appropriately, not feeding the media the tarnished Israeli image it seeks.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)