IDF takeover of the Mavi Marmara
Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Office
Israel likely to probe flotilla with foreign observer
Following another discussion, seven-minister forum decides commission of inquiry will apparently be based on IDF investigation, which shows Israel acted in accordance with protocol in flotilla takeover. Commission members and observers will be legalists
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Sunday that he was opposed to an international commission of inquiry into the events surrounding the Israel Defense Forces' deadly takeover of a Gaza-bound flotilla last week. Now, as can be discerned from the direction of talks among the seven-minister forum that met againt Monday in the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem, it seems that Israel will hold its own probe into the affair in the presence of one or two foreign observers.
Diplomatic Blitz
Associated Press
FM Davutoglu says Jewish state should declare it agrees to investigation proposed by UN chief. 'Otherwise,' he adds, 'it means that they have something to hide'
Until now, no official statement has been issued regarding Israel's intentions. However, Netanyahu rejected UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's proposal to establish a commission of inquiry led by former New Zealand Prime Minister Geoffrey Palmer. Israel also rejected the decision passed in the Human Rights Council for an independent inquiry on the same model as the Goldstone Commission.
Israel clarified its intentions to investigate the flotilla events, but stipulated a number of conditions. The commission must be objective, preferably Israeli, with the option for foreign observers, and that IDF soldiers and officers not be investigated under any circumstances.
The discussion in the seven-minister forum Monday made it clear that the IDF has completed its operational investigation of the flotilla takeover. This investigation will be the basis of the Israeli probe, if and when it is launched. The IDF passed on the investigation to the political echelons.
The IDF probe concludes that Israel acted in accordance to protocol and that IDF soldiers exercised restraint when dealing with the Mavi Marmara ship. Intelligence regarding the coordination and organization of the flotilla together with violent Islamist activists was unknown.
Jerusalem is well aware of the international pressure to expedite a decision regarding a probe. Israel is keeping the White House abreast of developments on the matter. In addition, Israel's political echelons are maintaining close contact with the governments of major powers in the West. Simultaneously, a low-key channel, mainly on the level of clerks, is being maintained with the Turkish government in Ankara.
