The violent confrontation off the coast of Gaza on May 31, which regrettably left nine activists dead and scores wounded, has proven to be a PR disaster for Israel.
Not even ardent Israel supporters would disagree that the operation to stop a flotilla of Gaza-bound ships was poorly planned and ineptly executed.
But once again, world opinion seems determined to ignore certain truths, preferring instead a narrative that paints Israel as a wanton killer of peace activists.
As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu put it, “That was not a love boat. That was a boat of hatred.” Many of the people aboard the Mavi Marmara were recruited, financed and trained by IHH, a Turkish Muslim organization with ties to radical jihadists.
Rather than peace activists, these people are bent on Israel’s destruction. As previous ships to Gaza contained weapons as cargo, Israel had to be sure the flotilla ships held no weaponry. But even though organizers refused to have their “humanitarian” supplies off-loaded in Ashdod or Egypt, the Israel Defense Forces still should have taken more careful, nonlethal measures to seize the ship.
Also, despite the outcry over this taking place in international waters, Israel acted lawfully. The blockade of Gaza is legal and wholly justifiable considering Hamas cares less about the well-being of Gazans and more about firing rockets into Israel.
The law is explicit. Seizing ships bent on running a lawful naval blockade is legal, even in international waters.
Then there is the assault itself. Video of the incident shows mobs beating commandos with metal poles. Their lives in danger, the Israelis had every right to defend themselves with lethal force.
The meta-problem is that Israel can ill afford to lose an image battle of this magnitude. For Israel bashers, this incident was like crack cocaine, fueling their hatred like nothing before.
Israeli officials behind the commando raid made mistakes. Now Israel will pay a price.
Relations with Turkey are at an all-time low and getting lower, as Turkey slowly turns away from the West. Israel’s relations with other countries will likely suffer as well, and street protests across the globe further tarnish Israel’s image.
For those who love and support Israel, tough days are ahead. We must acknowledge Israel’s tactical errors, but give no ground when it comes to Israel’s absolute right to defend itself.
Israel and the Jewish community worldwide will reflect on this fiasco, and learn from it. We mourn the loss of human life. Meanwhile, the work of defending and strengthening the Jewish state goes on.