Israel Navy Commander Admiral Rom Rothberg spoke to the media during a brief nationally televised press conference after the military censor permitted publication of the successful raid.

The admiral stressed that not only is Iran behind the shipment of missiles, the Iranians arranged the operation to the last detail. The commander explains that they cannot be certain how large the weapons cargo on board the vessel is since the “boat is packed too tight. We will only know this after the ship arrives in the port of Eilat and is unloaded”.

The admiral added the crew on board the ship is nationals from different countries and at present, the situation is under control and the naval commandos are not concerning themselves with the crew more than necessary. “They are provided for and in good condition” Admiral Rothberg added.

It is pointed out that Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon was at IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz’s side in the Defense Ministry operations pit when the raid was taking place.

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu was briefed during his Washington DC visit.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)