'Navy prepared to handle future flotillas'
IDF chief speaks at sailors' course graduation, says, 'Flotillas aiming to deliver weapons to enemies will be halted by Israel's defensive shield'. Navy commander says soldiers involved in Marmara raid 'acted swiftly, while upholding battle ethics'
Hours after assuming responsibility for the takeover of the Gaza-Bound Marmara ship in May, IDF Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi spoke at the Navy's sailors' course graduation in Haifa.
"Thanks to them we know that the coming flotillas and ships aiming to deliver weapons to our enemies will be halted by the State of Israel and the Navy's defensive shield," he said at Wednesday's ceremony.
"These days, when the heart of ocean and the Middle East's shores are stormier than usual, our gaze shifts toward the de-legitimization campaign our enemies are waging, and the future flotillas against the State of Israel," he added.
Navy Commander Major-General Eliezer Marom also addressed the flotilla, and called it a "hate sail" of six ships towards the State of Israel. He said the Navy executed the task at hand, stopped all six ships and led them to Ashdod Port.
"The soldiers encountered a group of terrorists on the Marmara – murderers whose goal was to kill our soldiers. The force acted swiftly, while adhering to the ethics and morals of battle," Marom said.
He also noted that the nine people killed on the ship were "the murderers who tried to harm the soldiers."
Marom added that the Navy has examined the operation in order to be prepared for future mission as well. "I am proud to say that the Navy is prepared for any mission.
Deputy Defense Minister MK Matan Vilnai Labor) who was also present at the ceremony described the Marmara's takeover as "a phenomenal success, which was the exercise of professionalism and cool."
A total of 38 graduates completed the 121st sailors' course on Wednesday. There were no women among the graduates this year.
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