Israel complains to UN over arms vessel
Ambassador Reuben tells Security Council thwarted attempt to transfer Iranian weapons to Gaza terrorists this week reflects 'intensifying pattern of grave breaches of binding UN resolutions'
WASHINGTON - Israel's UN Ambassador Meron Reuben filed a letter of complaint with the Security Council on Friday following the seizure of the "Victoria" arms vessel by IDF commandoes earlier this week.
The letter said the attempt to transfer weapons from Iran to terror groups in Gaza through Syria constitutes a blatant violation of UN resolutions.
Ambassador Reuben called on the Security Council to "take firm action to prevent arms smuggling to terrorist organizations and to prevent the ongoing illicit transfers of arms from Iran.”
"The latest incident reflects a growing and intensifying pattern of grave breaches of binding Security Council resolutions and international obligations by state sponsors of terrorism, namely Iran and Syria,” he wrote.
The weapons seized aboard the vessel included radar and fire control systems, mortar shells, small arms and anti-ship C-704 missiles.
Reuben wrote that such violations constitute a “threat to regional peace and security,” and “a direct and imminent threat to the safety and security of the State of Israel and its citizens, who continue to suffer incessant rocket and mortar attacks originating from the Gaza Strip.”
The ambassador further stated that Iran and Syria continue to exploit the global maritime trade, in flagrant violation of international maritime laws and guidelines, endangering international ports, ships, and crews.
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