Flexibility under pressure? Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with Quarter Envoy Tony Blair Thursday and told him he's willing to examine "creative ways" to bring aid into Gaza, after the goods are examined.
Blair told the PM he noticed that in the latter's speech Wednesday he made a distinction between Israel's legitimate right to prevent arms smuggling and the transfer of civilian goods, which should be allowed to come in.
The prime minister confirmed, stressing that every ship that may be smuggling missiles and rockets must be inspected.
The PM did not make it clear whether foreign ships, such as the Rachel Corrie currently en route to Israel, will be allowed to enter Gaza following an inspection. The forum of top seven government ministers convened Thursday night to discuss Israel's response to the latest attempt to break the Gaza siege.
The ministers are expected to discuss conditions that may allow for the goods to be transferred into the Strip, with the basic condition remaining unchanged: Israel insists that the goods be inspected to ensure they do not include weapons.
Earlier Thursday, Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman said that Israel will not allow the Rachel Corrie to reach Gaza's shores. The vessel is expected to arrive in the region Sunday and also attempt to break the Gaza naval blockade.
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