PM presents 'Goldstone-Iran absurdity'

While Tehran sends arms to terrorists, prime minister says, UN committee's report points finger to Israel

Roni Sofer |Published: 11.05.09 , 07:26

The interception of a Hezbollah-bound weapons shipment from Iran to Syria has fallen like a ripe fruit into the hands of Israel, which is trying to use to affair in its battle against the Goldstone Report, which may reach the United Nations Security Council.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been dedicating a lot of his time to the international battle being held at the UN General Assembly against the report, which accuses Israel of committing war crimes in Gaza.

Smuggling Weapons

Arms ship: How Iran tried to dupe Israeli intelligence

Hanan Greenberg

Hezbollah-bound vessel carrying vast amounts of weapons, ammunition left Iranian port 10 days ago; cargo was transferred to German ship, seized a few hours after leaving Egyptian port on Tuesday. IDF: Syria planned to transfer arms to Lebanon by land

Arms ship: How Iran tried to dupe Israeli intelligence

Speaking in a closed forum Wednesday evening, Netanyahu said that a UN discussion on the very day when an Iranian ship carrying weapons to Hezbollah was caught only emphasized the contradictions in the face of the international community's demands of Israel.

"The Navy's seizure of the ship illustrates the great absurdity: On the one hand, Iran is sending weapons to hornet's nests of terrorists in order to kill our civilians. On the other hand, the Goldstone Report points the finger at Israel," the prime minister said.

"In the coming days we will present this absurdity to our friends in the world," Netanyahu promised.

The prime minister said earlier Wednesday that "those who needed further proof that Iran is continuing to supply weapons to terror organizations got it today in a clear and unequivocal manner."

Defense Minister Ehud Barak toured the ship Wednesday evening. Navy Commander Major-General Eli Marom briefed the minister on the manner in which the ship was seized, and the many arms found on board.

Barak estimated earlier that there would be additional attempts to smuggle weapons to the terror organizations from Iran. Perhaps as part of its PR efforts, the Defense Ministry distributed photos of a serious Barak standing next to the many cases of weapons.

Vice Premier Silvan Shalom joined Netanyahu in criticizing the UN. "The weapons ship proves once against just how much the West and the world are wrong in their attempt to negotiate and hold talks which Iran, which is involved up to its neck in terrorism and is doing everything to undermine the stability in the Middle East."