Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon spoke to a large group of Israel supporters from 40 different nations. Ayalon spoke about the events surrounding the flotilla yesterday (Monday, May 31, 2010), and reacted to those who feel that Israel needs to apologize for its actions. “We do not need to apologize for defending ourselves,” Ayalon said. “The armada of hate and violence is merely one manifestation of the constant provocation Israel faces.”

Ayalon also referred to the extreme violence meted out by many of the participants on the flotilla. “Please tell me what kind of peace activists carry long knives and metal rods and try to kill others,” the Deputy Foreign Minister said. “The organizers openly stated on many occasions that delivering humanitarian aid was not their main mission and we now see how true that is.”

(YWN Israel – Jerusalem / Foreign Ministry)