Prime Minister Netanyahu
Photo: Noam Moskowitz
Netanyahu: We know truth, will ensure world sees it
Prime minister wants international community to hear answers to difficult questions; insists IDF soldiers are not investigated
"We are talking with various figures abroad regarding what kind of investigation is desirable," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday, referring to demands from the international community to set up an investigation committee into the flotilla affair.
"We know the truth, the nation knows the truth," he asserted.
"We – myself, the defense minister, the chief of staff and the ministers – are willing to provide all the facts," he continued during a speech at an economic conference in Tel Aviv. "I hold that only the IDF should question the soldiers, as is generally done in armies around the world, and that's what we'll do. I want the whole truth to be revealed."
The prime minister also noted that other aspects of the flotilla-related events would be investigated, not just the Israeli side.
"Answers that the international community prefers not to hear (will also be revealed)," he said. "Who was behind this flotilla, who funded it, and how axes, knives and other weapons found their way aboard the vessel. What were large sums of money doing in the possession of violent passengers and to whom were they intended. The world needs to see the entire picture, and we'll ensure it is revealed."
Procedures for carrying out an investigation have been formulated recently in Jerusalem, and a nearly final draft was approved by the seven senior government ministers during a meeting on Monday.
Netanyahu insisted that IDF soldiers would not be investigated, though IDF probes could be used, as well as the results of the investigation by the committee appointed by the chief of staff, headed by General (res.) Giora Eiland. The prime minister, defense minister, chief of staff and other ministers will appear before the committee.
The delays in setting up the investigation are due to consultation with the international community. It is expected that a draft decision on the committee and on the easing of the restrictions on the Gaza Strip will be presented to the government on Sunday.
