Probe finds flaws in Israeli flotilla takeover

TEL AVIV - An internal Israeli military investigation into the takeover of an aid flotilla to the Gaza Strip has revealed flaws in operation planning, and in the way naval commandos were used to seize the ships, Israel Radio reported Sunday.

While the May 31 takeover of five of the six ships in the flotilla proceeded without incident, photographs and video released after the takeover of the vessels show that on the sixth ship naval commandos battled activists wielding iron bars and knives. Nine activists were killed on that ship.

According to the report, commandos who took part in the seizure criticised the faulty pre-raid intelligence, which did not take into account the possibility that they could be attacked by the pro-Palestinian activists on the boats.

Commandos also questioned why the preparations to attack the commandos were not spotted before the troops were sent in.

The military investigation, headed by retired major-general Giora Eiland, is examining the operational aspects of the takeover of the flotilla.

Another Israeli commission, headed by a retired Supreme Court justice, will look at Israel’s blockade of the Gaza Strip and the legality of the seizure of the flotilla.