A retired Israeli Rear Admiral stated that Israel must use all legal means to ensure the confiscation or sinking of boats used by rioters, affirming Israel’s right to defend itself and its sovereignty, and that it must take firm measures to exercise this right.

Eliezer Marom considered the new fleet approaching Gaza’s coast as an attempt by its organizers to portray it as a humanitarian mission, but like its predecessors, it is merely another fleet of hatred, mainly supported by the Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas.

The writer criticized Italy and Spain’s decision last week to send warships to escort and assist the ships if needed, describing it as a very dangerous event indicating European countries’ support for violators of international law trying to challenge Israel.

Marom recalled previous efforts to break the Israeli blockade on Gaza, starting in 2008 when an anti-Israel group called “Free Gaza” organized trips between Gaza and Cyprus. He noted that the Israeli political leadership at that time instructed to allow that fleet to sail despite the army’s opposition.

However, he pointed out that Israel imposed a maritime security blockade along Gaza’s coast at the end of 2009, “according to international law,” detaining any ship attempting to breach it, and in fact, ships that tried to violate the blockade were stopped.

He referred to the 2010 Marmara fleet story, which included six ships led by the Turkish “Mavi Marmara” carrying 700 participants. This fleet was organized by the Turkish relief organization “IHH,” which the writer accused of being linked to Hamas and including extreme left-wing anti-Israel groups, according to him.

He said Israeli naval commandos “Shayetet 13” took control of the “Mavi Marmara” after being attacked, according to his claim, by more than 50 members of the Turkish organization armed with axes, knives, metal rods, and even firearms.

He added that the Israeli forces responded firmly, resulting in the death of 9 of the “attackers” and injuring dozens.

Over the past 15 years, the writer says, this phenomenon has largely subsided until recently reappeared, with the current fleet including about 40 ships, mostly small, heading to Gaza.

Despite the large number of solidarity ships with Gaza and the escort of foreign warships, the former officer confirms that the Israeli navy is prepared for this mission. He explained that it will stop the “rogue” boats and prevent them from reaching their destination.

He acknowledged that this is a high-risk mission that could lead to casualties and property damage. After the operation, the writer advised Israel to use all legal means to ensure the confiscation or sinking of boats used by rioters, prosecute some of them, and imprison them for long periods despite expected protests. Israel has the right to defend itself and its sovereignty and must take firm measures to exercise this right, he said.