The investigators, headed by former National Security Council chief
[Res.] Maj. Gen. Giora Eiland, determined that the Navy commandos who
boarded the Turkish-flagged Hava Marmara on May 31 were not adequately
briefed on the prospect of massive and violent resistance. In the end, nine
passengers were killed in a clash with the Israeli commandos in a battle for
control of the ship.
"At the same time, the team emphasized that it is not certain that an
optimal intelligence effort would create a complete intelligence picture,"
the military said. "The team also pointed out that the anticipated level of
violence used against the forces was underestimated."
The military-commissioned investigation was one of two ordered by Israel
in wake of the bloody interception of the Turkish ship. Turkey has demanded
an international inquiry as well as an Israeli apology.
The Israel Navy has been bracing for the arrival of another ship
destined for the Gaza Strip — this time from Libya. The Libyan ship was
expected to reach Israel and the Gaza Strip on July 14.
"The fact that the IDF examines itself and others do not, results in
that only the errors of the Israel Defense Forces are publicized," Eiland
said.
The report said the Navy did not have backup plans that took into
account resistance from flotilla passengers. The team reported that Israeli
government leaders were not briefed on any option other than boarding the
flotilla.
"The team emphasized the fact that as far as is currently known, no
country in the world holds the ability to stop a vessel at sea in a
non-hostile manner," the military said.
The report said the Navy should not have waited until virtually the last
moment to plan the flotilla interception. Eiland also recommended that the
military develop methods other than full boarding to intercept hostile
ships.
The Navy commando unit as well as other military personnel were said to
have performed well during the boarding of Marmara. The report also
justified the Israeli use of live fire aboard Marmara soon after the
commandos were attacked by Turkish Islamists armed with knives and clubs.
"The team determined that the Navy commando soldiers operated properly,
with professionalism, bravery and resourcefulness and that the commanders
exhibited correct decision making," the military said. "The report further
determines that the use of live fire was justified and that the entire
operation is estimable."
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