Flotilla case closed: Zoabi won't be charged

Attorney general decides to end investigation against Israeli nationals who participated in Gaza-bound flotilla that ended with lethal raid

Aviad Glickman|Published: 12.22.11 , 16:53

Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein has decided to close the case against the Israeli nationals who participated in the Gaza flotilla on May 31st, 2010, the Justice Ministry announced Thursday.

The Israelis who were on board a Turkish ship during the lethal clashed that ensued between flotilla activists and IDF forces included Knesset Member Hanin Zoabi.

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Nine activists were killed by the army after attempting to lynch the troops.

"After examining the overall evidence in the case and the legal issues pertaining to the matter, the attorney general has decided to close the case as result of significant evidentiary and legal difficulties," the Justice Ministry said.

Zoabi off the hook

Responding to the decision, MK Zoabi issued the following statement: "I'm not at all surprised by the closure of the cases against flotilla participants, including my case. It was expected."

"This proves that what I said all along t was true – my participation in the flotilla was a legal political act. Now there is room for an apology from Knesset members who incited against me…indeed, I don't expect them to apologize, but they should at least engage in some self-reflection."

The Justice Ministry's statement Thursday noted that the police probe against foreign nationals who participated in the flotilla ended earlier, as result of the decision to expel them from Israel. The investigation against Israeli nationals continued on suspicion of attempting to enter Gaza unlawfully.

The Ministry added that the attorney general held various meetings on the issue with relevant officials before making his decision on the case.

Notably, none of the Israelis on board the Turkish ship was suspected of assaulting IDF soldiers.