Israel Navy chief: Hezbollah-bound Iran ship carried hundreds of tons of arms

ISRAEL tows arms ship to Ashdod. One day tales of exploits,of courage,& daring will be told from father to son,& from son to son till the end of generations yet to be born! They will be like the stories of the Old Testament,that even today,thousands of years after,people all over the world still read & find,the deepest thoughts of the human mind. One can get inspiration of celestial powers by delving deeply into understanding the minds of our ancient sages. Two religions were born out of this Ancient people:the Hebrews,Israelites,Jews,& more recently the Israelis,which are destined to play a pivitol role in the world to come. God bless us be with us !

what a joke obama has become...so let's see, he says, if you unclench your fist... blah blah..so what does iran do? they continue to supply insurgents with IED's that kill americans, they continued to build their secret plant at QOM, they celebrate the 1979 hostage taking, they call obama a man with a smile and a knife, they ship arms to terrorists groups as clearly witnessed yesterday, and all the while, obama, the jerk, keeps on with his naive BS saying how they respect the iranians and are ready to talk...I mean, how transparent can this pussy be? he is being made to look like a fool and the left can say what they want, but the truth is, his foreign policy is a disaster. In his war, the good war as his team positioned it, he is proving to be a totally weak kneed decision maker, he messed up the israeli -palestinian process, messed up on gitmo, refuses to use legitimate torture to get answers from murderers, but sneekily continues rendition..he is a farce.

Kevin Israel bombed a military target in Syria out of fear for its own safety & it destroyed an arms shipment coming from Sudan to be used against Israel. Israel also bombed Saddam Hussains nuclear reactor in theory illegal under international law but Israel rightly puts its own security above international law. Life is more important than law. Chris You know its an arms shipment through inteligence. The navy stop the ship check the cargo, if its arms they take the ship and its cargo to Israel where its impounded. If its not carrying arms Israel issues a formal apology and lets the ship go peacefully on its way .. a minor delay. If you were living in Israel I think you would be congratulating the navy on this one and grateful for the fact these arms have been prevented from falling into terrorist hands to be used against the country you live in.

1. According to UN Turkish actions in Famagusta (In UN terms not Maras) are illegal and in another case Louizidou won against Turkey a case for compensation. However UN does have a sanction against Iran to sell arms therefore it is legal to prevent it. 2. Yes I support Turkey in Cyprus because I know well how Greeks had killed Turkish civilians, just like the Hamas and Hezbollah are doing now to Israelis. If it is ok for Turkey to invade Cyprus when Turks are killed it is also OK for Israel to act when Israeli?s are killed. Stop your double standards. 3. I don?t hate Turks not even you. I support Turkey as a secular modern democracy but not the current government. 4. Just like you criticize Israel here on an Israeli paper, I can criticize your comments too. And you don?t have any control over where I visit or not. As a Turk you still expect all none Muslims to be subservient to you but those days are long over.

I did not say Hizballah were no pirates. I just said that what Israel does is piracy because invading and towing a ship in international waters to a port is piracy in legal terms, there is no other legal term for this, if there is, please tell me and I will use that other term instead. Maras-Famagosta case has nothing to do with that. In Cyprus Greeks were killing the minority Turks, I was in Cyprus very recently and through my connections I also was lucky to see Maras which is closed to civilian visits. It was as if it was left yesterday, not a single Turk lives there apart from guarding soldiers. In Cyprus issue I have no compromise to offer. You hate Turks, even though you always claim otherwise, in every single issue, be it Kurdish or Cyprus, you always accuse Turkey. Fine, you do not need Turkey and we do not need you in this case because you do not consider yourself a Turkish citizen, it is your choice. Be happy in US and in occasional visits to your second home israel.

Israel captured arms that were shipped to his enemy who in the past captured its soldiers but instead of keeping them alive according to international conventions killed and returned their body in exchange of a living child murderer Kuntar. There are also UN sanctions against Iran to export arms. It was a legitimate defensive action. On the other hand Turkey had captured the predominantly Greek city Famagusta (Magosa) in Cyprus in 1974. Turkey evacuated the city and until this day it is a Ghost town. The inhabitants cannot return to their own homes. It is considered an illegal occupation by the UN. This is real piracy. When do you think Turkey intends to return the city to its inhabitants?

"Most of the great world enterprises have been created against the law, or through violations of the existing law." Put ONE up and the laws that existed at the time. It's because the world was lawless that there are laws today. "Nowadays the Goldstone report will probebaly lead to a change or the rules of war." No need. "The pioneers to the change of the rules of law of war is Israel, and that way is contributing with the civilized world in the struggle against terrorism." Uh huh. dream on. Israel can't even get on the UNSC. Do you know why? Something to do with having been over the borders it Declared Sovereignty over when it declared them.

if it's all really that relative, why bother w/statements about it at all? the biggest mental nutcases in any psychiatric institution will tell you who the real doctors are (under-cover, of course). no, seriously, the legal question here, albeit formally important, is paramount only to those not happy w/israel scoring big against hezbollah, as in this case when catching them & the iranians red-handed & depriving them of these weapons. isn't that obvious? as for war looming, it's doubtful an operation of his kind could trigger it, so that's really beside the point. & i'm for preventing that war, too. a nice day to ya'.

Is cutting and pasting what I've already posted here all you have left?? "It`s bullshite. There are 200 or more UNSC resolutions against Israel." My point exactly - disproportionate number of UN resolutions against Israel. "The British colonized Australia. Not me." Who cares?? You are living there now and benefitting from it. "Oh goodness, stop scraping the barrel." It's convenient to dismiss a point when it doesn't quite fit in with your "argument". If you care so much about your homeland, go back there to live and protest directly to the Israeli government. You will regain some credibility then.

...but is talking... "you discover a lie by its grandieuse. Hundreds of tons of arms. Wow, the ship itself doesn`t weigh hundreds of tons." (Observer) Stupidity, when written down, defines you (in the cloud) for a long long time ... The ship is a FRANCOP ship 137 m long and 22 m wide. Out of the 400 containers on the ship, 36 contained weapons. (the ship's capacity is much more, 822 TEU). The 36 containers carry about 700 tons of arms. (about 20 tons per container, not including container own weight).

Most of the great world enterprises have been created against the law, or through violations of the existing law. Nowadays the Goldstone report will probebaly lead to a change or the rules of war. The pioneers to the change of the rules of law of war is Israel, and that way is contributing with the civilized world in the struggle against terrorism.

Wrong Rob I DO know the US has deemed Hamas and Hizbollah terrorist organizations. I also know that they are. However the ship was not bound for Gaza or south Lebonan but for Syria. One could argue the shipment would find its way to these organizations but one could also argue the opposite.

so no doubt they would grab US ships as well if they could.They are finding it harder to do both.

so no doubt they would grab US ships as well if they could.They are finding it harder to do both.

was only a short while ago. Would you like Hezb to have enough to start another full on war bombing Israeli civillians so Edrogan can perform on stage if/when Israel retaliates?

L: "The article says the captain allowed them to search." And Barak just told the cabinet that the ship tried to evade interception. There is quite some difference between "not resisting men with guns" and "accepting an invitation to dance". That the ship's captain did not resist an armed boarding party is not at all the same as saying that he invited those soldiers to search his ship.

"You don`t seem to understand that the countries which support Hezbollah, Hamas, Fatah etc. were allied to Hitler..." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allies_of_World_War_II Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Lebanon, Iraq, Iran,

A pirate's life for me...

" we Australians are getting fed up with the the kind of you who support Muslim terror specially in Australia" Pity I don't. More of a pity that you have to make false accusations, based on NOTHING I've written, said or even thought. False witness is against the basic tenets of our faith, no? Tch tch tch

"Go do your homework and you will see that the UN has been and still is by and large a body that has unfairly singled out Israel over the years. This is really not rocket science, it`s common knowledge." It's bullshite. There are 200 or more UNSC resolutions against Israel. Most are only reminders. "The Aboriginals aren`t asking you to leave CJ? Could it be that there just aren`t that many of them left anymore? Hmmm" Oh goodness, stop scraping the barrel. "I`m sorry, but don`t waste your time on these forums, as clearly you should be much more concerned about your country and coming to terms with its past first" A) Israel is my homeland. B) The British colonized Australia. Not me. "There is nothing simple or clear-cut about it, but shallow baseless arguments only inflame it" So stop making them.

You can consider it as a police action if you like. Iran won't necessarily agree. I'd rather not see a hot war between Iran and Israel. But you may just get your heart's desire. I doubt you'll see the US doing more than missile defense for Israel if it comes down to it.

Territorial waters have nothing to do with it. Remember WW2?

No doubt if Hezb. could they would.Their Persian puppet masters attacked British ships on the high seas.

was only a few weeks ago. Would you like them to have more missiles to fire at Israel? Start another open war rather than a low grade one by opening another barrage on Northern Israeli towns so that Edrogan can perform for the media again if Israel retaliates?

front troops with weapons of terror and mass murder in full day light. How absurd!!! Let's not allow the years 1938-39 return!!!

pre positioned in Syria for the 2008 IAF bombed reactor. To no avail. Syria would not return the U235 to Iran. Iran now prefers to ship via Turkeye from the Black Sea. And NATO member Turkeye is spy paradise.

enforced against Israel! This is a war of conquest nothing more! Peace would put a stop to it and what "Patriotic Israeli" could put up with that? G-Ds gift and all.....PEACE EVER?

Send the Katusha rockets back to Hezbollah, same way they send it to Israel, let them taste they own medicine, should be fun;))

Chris, the people who were going to receive these weapons have been attacking Israel for years. If Hitler were to receive arms from a third party during WW2, would the US have refrained from preventing the delivery because there was no proof Hitler would use them against us? I think not. You don't seem to understand that the countries which support Hezbollah, Hamas, Fatah etc. were allied to Hitler and are still technically at war with Israel. They declared war in 1948 and NEVER MADE PEACE.

listen to yourself, you should do same reeding and not between the lines with figment of yours imagination???

"They are so upset when Jews try to defend themselves." Strange... CJ = Concerned Jew. "I dont know what it is about Australia but is it seems that some of the most vicious antisemetism gets spouted from down under. CJ hides under a thin veneer of education but still cannot resist the the constant anti Israeli/Jewish line that he must have learned from his Imam." Care to point this alleged Antisemitism out...thx.. Breaking the law is breaking the law...

fuming at the mouth??? this has really got you!!! Cola Kavod Israeli Navy Just to see this idiots fuming its worthed;)))))

Hello world, Ever read any history books about what happens to you when you transport weapons to one side or other in a war zone? Does the Lusitania come to mind? Read up on WW1 and WW2 and fighting at sea. The Palestinians are at war with Israel. Listen to their statements and look at their terrorist activities. If a third party wishes to send weapons to the Palestinians, then they have to accept the reality that Israel might not allow their cargo to be delivered. Once again the Peaceful Palestinians have shown their true face.

for something to be illegal then there needs to be a body that defines what is and isn't legal - then has the ability to enforce that law. This is not the UN, which has the gnashing teeth of a 64 year old toothless woman. Was Israel right to seize this ship? in light of no one else protecting them what are they to do? Are Hezbollah wrong to smuggle arms? with no one to protect them, what else are they to do?

now laws against the acquisition of territory by war/force. Nothing to do with me or the present Government of Australia.

No mater what you are saying it will not help you, as we Australians are getting fed up with the the kind of you who support Muslim terror specially in Australia.We are behind all the way to support Israel, and we will take lessons to get reed of this in here, so mate, watch out here comes Ossie's the genuine ones!!!

"ll these racists.." Save it for Hasbara meetings. "UNSC 1803 gives us the right to board and seize any ships .." In your own ports. http://www.iaea.org/NewsCenter/Focus/IaeaIran/unsc_res1803-2008.pdf

if Iran sends all his float, Israel sends his planes. They won the 67 war on 4 fronts, they can win against ships.

CJK: "Israel seized illegal Iranian arms" In what way are Iranian-manufactured arms "illegal", Cipora? There is a treaty that says that Iran can not have an arms manufacturing industry, is there? CJK: "iran is mandated by chapter vii unscr from exporting arms to any country or group" No, it isn't. The UNSC has mandated to all its memeber states that they must not purchase arms from Iran. It's the difference between "It's illegal for you to sell arms" versus "We aren't buying from the likes of YOU". CJK: "furthermore, israel will continue to seize all weapons destined to terrorists such as hezbollah and hamas. israel is in a state of war with both those groups." Heck, who the hell ISN'T Israel in a "state of war" with, Cipora? And where, exactly, is the evidence that these arms were destined for Hezbollah and not Syria? Is Israel entitled to sieze arms shipments to Syria? And is Syria legally entitled to return the favour?

Does this "LAW" extend to the Syrians, Egyptians, Turks etc? Can they stop and search ships bound for Israel? OR, is this another case of Israel "selecting" the International Law which suits them?

http://www0.un.org/News/Press/docs/2009/sc9567.doc.htm The Security Council ? ?Recalling all of its relevant resolutions, including resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973), 1397 (2002), 1515 (2003) and 1850 (2008), ?Stressing that the Gaza Strip constitutes an integral part of the territory occupied in 1967 and will be a part of the Palestinian state,

Most commentators feel it's right for this ship to lie on their manifest & transport massive amounts of arms to be ultimately used against civilians by a militia, as long as International maritime law is respected . Israel was right to stop this ship and prevent Human Rights of civilians in Israel and Lebanon to be violated and crimes against humanity to be perpetrated.

G: "UNSC 1803 gives us the right to board and seize any ships carrying any armaments from Iran regardless of the group getting those weapons." Gee is relying on this paragraph: "Calls upon all States, in accordance with their national legal authorities and legislation and consistent with international law, in particular the law of the sea and relevant international civil aviation agreements, to inspect the cargoes to and from Iran, of aircraft and vessels, at their airports and seaports, owned or operated by Iran Air Cargo and Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Line, provided there are reasonable grounds to believe that the aircraft or vessel is transporting goods prohibited under this resolution or resolution 1737 (2006) or resolution 1747 (2007);" The key phrase that makes Gee's argument fall is this: "at their airports and seaports" This ship was not docked at an Israeli seaport, and so 1803 does NOT authorize Israel to inspect this ship for ANY reason.

"If this was not an arms shipment then one could have raised the issue of piracy, legality but in this case everything is against Iran and Hezbollah." It's only Israel saying they were arms for Hezbollah. Israel has a well documented record of lies going back to 1948.

"how can seizing weapons which can potentially start a new war in the hands of Hezzbollah and co be stupid in any way???" I said it was stupid? Where?

j: "UN Resolutions made it illegal for Iran to export arms to hez" Point one: UN resolutions can not make anything "illegal", jason, because the UN is neither a world legislature nor a world court. Point Two: 1701 "decided" that nobody should ship weapons to Lebanon EXCEPT under the "authority of the Lebanese govt", but it is left entirely up to the Lebanese govt to decide what constitutes "authorization". So if the Lebanese govt is cool with the idea that Hezbollah can be armed then your argument falls to the ground. Point Three: 1701 says NOTHING about any enforcement mechanisms, and so there is NOTHING in 1701 that says that Israel can sieze such arms. Indeed, I suspect that Israel is LEGALLY obliged to hand these weapons to the Lebanese govt. After all, that's what UNIFIL does.

The Lesson from Gaza has yet to be learned by many Israelis. Either we are in control of Judea or Samaria or Hamas armed with Iranian weapons will take control.

You're right, the ship does not weigh hundreds of tons. It actually weighs thousands of tons. A small cargo vessel such as the one intercepted will weighh, with full cargo, ballast, full water tanks etc abouw 20,000-24,000 DWT (that stands for deat weight tons) Sorry, Observer. Back to ship school before you observe in error again.

AI: "Res 1701 calls for Hezbollah to be disarmed" No, it does not. It calls for Hezbollah to STOP SHOOTING, and it calls for the area south of the Litani River to be free of all arms except for: 1) Those of UNIFIL and 2) Any that are "authorized by the Lebanese government". It is left entirely to the Lebanese govt to decide who is (and who is not) "authorized" to hold those arms, and to decide what form that "authorization" should take. It isn't up to UNIFIL, the UNSC, the Israeli govt - or to you - to make that decision on their behalf.

But if the ship broke the Treaty of Constantinople then that is an issue for the Egyptian government to enforce, not for the IDF. The IDF is not authorized by that Treaty to sieze any vessels that violate any of those articles, and it is beyond chutzpah for you to claim that it does. The offense - if any - is against EGYPT, and its restitution lies with the EGYPTIANS. The Israeli navy has no more authority in such a matter than does the Swiss navy....

You can view it perfectly well as a police action. Iran can just as legitimately view it as an act of war. It is all in the perspective. Personally I'd just as soon not see a hot war between Iran and Israel. But you may get your wish.

Any ship designed to carry cargo can carry many times it's own weight. That being said, there is something odd about the 40 crates at 300 tons a piece. that's 12,000 tons -or- 24 million pounds. Does seem like something doesn't add up. However, your assumption that the whole thing is a lie, as opposed to a typo or misstatement about the weight of each container, is an over reach.

for 2000 years

No, it is YOU who is unbelievable. The MV Francop's maximum safe weight is 8622 tonnes, including cargo, fuel, fresh water, ballast water, provisions, passengers and crew.

May it be able to abort all shipments from Iran and Syria to terrorists who want to murder Israeli citizens randomly. Maythe US, Russia, China, the EU and the entire international community put their hipocrisy aside, and confront the world's first sponsor of terrorism as it should and must be done for teh sake of all.

Since when did they hold any form of significance for Israel?

Go to any US news site like MSNBC and you'll see them.

I was referring to where it was attacked by pirates, dahling.

If intercepting arms to enemy is piracy pleae explain to me this: What is to kick out hundresds of thousands of Greek people from their homes in Famagusta (Magosa) since 1974 and keep it as a ghost city ever since? The war in Cyprus ended over 30 years ago. When will Turkey allow the Cypriot Greek to return to their homes in Famagusta? This is not just piracy but theft in th egreatest way. Soon many Cypriot Greeks wil lstart to sue Turkey on this matter just like the Louzidou case and then your government will come begging again Israel and the ADL which you don't like, to help.

These weapons are not supplied to sovereign countries in arms length transactions. They are supplied to organisations that only exist because of Iran. These organisations are the manifestation of Iranian foreign policy in the region, they ARE Iran. Israel already has its Casus Belli. It will start with Hezbollah and Hamas but will very quickly be extended to include the puppetmaster Iran.

back - Thank you - keep up the good job.

Sorry to disappoint you, Rob, but US law governs only the US, not the rest of the world.

Who gave Israel the job of being police of international waters, whatever the ship is carrying, was it in Israeli waters or that doesn't matter anymore,

Thanks to the Containership register, here are the stats on the UFS vessel the Francop. IMO number: 9277412 Call sign: MBNL6 Length: 137,50 m Width: 21,30 m Depth: 9,36 m gross tonnage: 7519 ton Nrt: 3570 ton deadweight: 8622 ton Cargo particulars: Capacity: 864 teu Reefer capacity: 150 teu For those not familiar with shipping terms, the abbreviation TEU stands for twenty-foot equivalent unit, meaning how many 20-foot containers the ship can hold.

is like the Haredi-Shas bloc in the Israeli Knesset. Now put that in your pipe and smoke it.

Look at who the `piracy at high sees` and `act of war` is comeing from. The fact of the matter is Israel is not runsacking ship after ship in hopes of funding weapons. `Coincidentally`, they runsacked the ship they needed to runsack and found precisely what they wanted to find. That is the very good intelligence at work, the only thing that counts & matters here. That what keeps the ones who make the difference when they speak, mum (and deep down happy for Israel doing what they in theory should be doing), and drives `unhappy` with Israel nuts. In reality, would it be better if Israel had a concrete tip and thought about `piracies & acts of war` in letting weapons go? Of course not. Well, here is to Israel seazing all the weapons bound from Iran they can seaze and not worry about all the mumblings, rumblings & finger pointing at Israel from the `unhappy`. The constructive arguments in the cases like this are moote. How can it be spelled any easier?

The only thing Lebanon should be doing to defend itself is getting rid of war monegring terrorist groups who care more about destroying Israel than about keeping Lebanon and the Lebanese safe.

If your so concerned why not speak out for the Coptic Christians that are being abused in Egypt? Oh thats right,that is not politically correct.Try for once to be fair to all sides.

Territorial waters have nothing to do with it.Heard about the Second World War ?

Actually in my post to S I was inferring that the transportation of such a large shipment which simply by the geographical position of Lebanon means that it would have to sail past Israel is simply illogical. Especially now the UN has banned Iran shipping arms. Also why risk loading these weapons on to this ship in Egypt? Sorry, but a train ride from Iran through turkey in sealed containers is a more logical route, even the long way round through Russia, afterall there is no rush at the moment. I just think the whole thing is suspicious

that be?

What if these weapons systems were destined for Syria. You are making assumptions. Besides an easy way round that would be to give the money to Syria and get them to buy the missiles etc from Russia.

Only a complete imbecile would be unaware that there are UN resolutions in effect that bar Iran from shipping weapons to both Hamas and Hezbollah.

Israel and Lebanon were good neighbors until terrorists used Lebanon to launch attacks onIsraeli civilians. Hizbollah is not the first group of terrorists in Lebanon.

Wise to tow such a ship into harbor? Ships are slow-moving ICBMs.

you discover a lie by its grandieuse. Hundreds of tons of arms. Wow, the ship itself doesn't weigh hundreds of tons.

How do you think it got from Iran to the Med Sea, dahling?

guess what the two other ships carried?

Wow Chris do you realize just what you have been denying until now? Your statement Iran must have found a way of doing it- meaning smuggling - 40,000 rockets don?t just appear out of thin air proves that Israel was more than justified in searching and seizing the arms shipment. Your constant encouragement to kill innocent civilian Israelis is highly enlightening as is always the case in your Talkbacks. May I remind you and the readers that not all victims of the Hezbollah in 2006 were Jews but there were several Moslem and Christian Arabs who were also murdered.

# 265 Proud Israeli, It was Truman. Not Roosevelt. Roosevelt died before the end of WW2 & Truman automatically became President. But otherwise ,a good post.

Kol Hakavod. Intercept sources of terror wherever they can be found.

There is no other technical term to explain this event. This is plain piracy.

"Even the usually loyal New York Times can`t help pointing out that Israel has yet to offer any proof that there were indeed weapons on board the ship. This could be awkward. If Israel keeps the ship for a week and then finally produces the weapons, it won`t be very convincing" You won?t have to wait not even a week! Go see the pictures posted by Haaretz under " WATCH: Video of Israel Navy commandeering arms ship" You will see all kinds of weapons aboard the ship with international journalists taking pictures of them. Next time do your homework instead of stupidly and falsely accusing Israel. ?To be ignorant of one's ignorance is the malady of the ignorant.? - Amos Bronson Alcott

Israel offered the return of the Golan Heights, Syria rejected it. Your not getting it back now.

There is a simple lesson here, when Israel was pressured by the international community ninto withdrawing from Lebanon before an conditonal surrender by Hezbollah, it guaranteed a future war with Hezbollah. Same thing with Gaza. Mao said that, "any war not fought to conclusion is a war that will have to be fought again." As to "international law", has anyone noticed that to our regular Israel bashers, ANYTHING that Israel does or doesn't do is interpreted by them as a violation of "international law." The real message is that to them, Israel's continued existance as a Jewish nation is against their beliefs, not "iternational law."

Where am I a hypocrite "American"? I am extremely happy that the UN resolved to allow the creation of Israel. But that was in 1948, and the decision was on the backdrop of the holocaust. But the most honorable aspirations that lead to the establishment of the UN (championed by your President Franklin D. Roosevelt) have over the years turned into petty political horse-trading by partisan coalition groups, one of the strongest one of these being the Arab block of Nations, that steamroll the drafting of just about every Anti-Israel resolution that one could possibly imagine. Non democratic dictatorships (such as Iran and Lybia) are voted in to head human rights committees to find... surprise surprise that Israel is guilty of human rights abuse. Then good people like you "American" are blinded by their findings, because you believe that the UN is still like it was back in the good old days of Roosevelt...Today the UN has deteriorated into a shameful shadow of what it once was.

Or is this the case of jews having the right of passage?

So sue us. So Israel 'pirated' an Iranian arms shipment in international waters. Ain't that a shame. I suggest you write a strong letter to your Congressman. Why waste your effort on Haaretz Talkback? I'm sure a letter to Obama will get the results you want. Or will it? Tuff patutti. The bottom line is that Isreal is still in a 'state of war' with Syria, Lebanon and Iran. So anything like this action is LEGAL. So stop whining.

Do you not read the news? The thing is that the antigua ship was heading for Syria, I just don't get it that the commander of the operation will want to the throw the "H" word in there. It seems like they want to boost Israeli morale for the upcoming War Crimes tribunal, anything to distract the public away from the "real" crimes

100 Miles off the coast of ISrael near Cyprus, why are they traveling so far out to see. IS that there business to do that. If Syria is receiving weapons, why is it ISraels business. Is no country but Israel allowed to buy military equipment to defend themselves. Only questions.

Kudos to the Israeli military!. Israel has every right to protect itself anywhere, anytime a threat to its existence is perceived. The state of Israel shall live for ever.

I think every state has a right to save the national secure and to defend the sovernighty of the land. If this Irani Ship being filled with arms and weapons to Syria and Hezbollah ,and as we know both are enemies to Israel . This Ship must be stopped not infront at the Israeli water but every where around the world.

Israelis did secure the whole operation following their own intentions. The IDF History is full of many examples. Fact is, the ship was not in the area of operation of the maritime component of UNIFIL. But this component consists of just NATO ships. Fine piece of work, from intelligence to the GRID workers to say it simple.

Yes, seeing all these weapons Israel should think several times before starting war "war is hell". But your problem is that on your side the thinking is done in Iran and they do not give a piece of ...... about your life and property. Do you as a Lebanese like wars? did not you have as much as you can take? do you think at all? And for the Palestinians who comented about the ship not being in the canal. The ship by forging documents like a bill of lading and manifest and insurence papers while carrying ammo. illegally in the canal became a criminal ship according to international law, it had to be stopped and searched. That was done with the agreement of the captain which made every thing 100% legal. As there were no papers about the weapons and ammo. nobody can claim them, that is what all these papers are for to begin with. I have sailed on merchant ships for years. It suit every body to day that the crew did not know that they were carrying weapons and ammo. a nice white lie

legal. Even if it is to people with whom you disagree. Time for Israel to abide by international law, not dictate it with impunity. Especially not to kill women and children in G'ds's name. Shame!

Chris LintTwitter All you care is did Israel act legally in capturing this ship Well Chris one thing is for sure Iran acted illegally in passing weapons as that country is band from doing so by the UN! What should concern you more, is the way those Arms were passed, The ship Israel captured, was passing Arms as a Civilian Cargo, Do you think it is OK that a Cargo that contains weapons and explosives is handled as regular Cargo? Do you know what measures and strict regulations are taken to pass Arms by ship? What measures and strict regulations are taken when such a ship is entering a harbor? Passing Arms as a Civilian Cargo, is dangerous to the ship, dangerous to the unsuspecting ship crew, dangerous to the ship, dangerous to passing ships, dangerous to those who handle the cargo when uploading or downloading it, dangerous to the harbor, and most of all `ILLEGAL` Does that not concern you Chris LintTwitter?

If Hezzbollah didnt keep attacking Israel in the first place.

"I have my version of the story of -67," And it's YOUR version -- but not reality. "the preparations and the aftermath from Moshe Dayan. I believe in him and not in you." Rockets and air raids had been coming in from Syria. Syria wasn't sitting there doing "nothing" as you said. You are misrepresenting history, fabricating your own version of it, and claiming that Dayan is the author. Try being honest. It's very well known that attacks were coming from Syria before Israel engaged.

Lessons from Gaza applied to Judea and Samaria by the present Israeli Government will ultimately lead to expanded settlement activity in our historical homeland in order to achieve peace between Israel and its neighbors. Creation of an independent Palestinian State in Judea and Samaria will result in a Hamas takeover and a flood of Iranian weapons perpetuating an unending conflict.

On that single picture which seems to show the cargo of the vessel, I cannot detect anything weapon-like, an the pic is too small. Could you please show detailed pictures of the cargo ?

'Where exactly, did it say that these arms (are they actually illegal?) were addressed to?' UNSC 1803 makes them illegal to EXPORT to ANYBODY. 'Why exactly was Israel siezing this ship off the cyprus coast?' Because of tens of thousands of terrorist atatcks, that is why. 'Why is the PM having a media orgy on board it immediately before a UN vote?' Because the Israeli Navy proved that Iran is continuing to export terrorism. 'I appreciate Iranian arms are Iranian arms BUT if they were destined to a legit customer then does ISrael offer an apology or will countries in the region carry out the same actions?' Go ahead and try. According the UN there is NO legit customers for Iranian weapons. 'It seems to me that a whole host of international laws were intentionally broken here simply to avoid yet another moral vote in the UN and deflect attention away from Israel.' Wrong again. Proof - look at the pictures.

the navy will only catch a fraction of what gets through. anyway there is plenty more where that came from. And by the amount they say they found destined to protect and strengthen Lebanon If I was an Israeli I'd think twice about starting a war again Shalom

Yes lebanon has a rigth to defend itself just like any other country in the world including Isreal, to your dislike,but does it have the right to incite another lebanon war by backing a terrorist group by letting them get their hands on these weapons. Be glad Israel caught them before they where used against Israel, which would had let to another war with your dear lebanon, and don't you believe for a second the UN will save your asses next time like they did last time...

The best thing about this whole story is how upset and pissed off both Chris Linthwaite and CJ get. They are so upset when Jews try to defend themselves. They would really like us to sit back and abide by all the rules and regulations while getting blown to pieces. Chris says he is a teacher but still has time to post hundreds of messages every day on every subject to an Israeli/Jewish newspaper. The only thing he must teach is how to survive on the dole and to get somebody else to pay for his drinks. I dont know what it is about Australia but is it seems that some of the most vicious antisemetism gets spouted from down under. CJ hides under a thin veneer of education but still cannot resist the the constant anti Israeli/Jewish line that he must have learned from his Imam. Folks let me give it to you straight.You all can bitch, complain, whine and generally hate us. I dont care what UN resolution we break as long as my country and family are protected from your blood lust friends.

"...the ship had been carrying 40 containers filled with 300 tons of weapons each,..." There are 2 sizes of containers - 24 tons or 30 tons "each"...

Another ridiculous Robinhood adventure by IDF. For every ship you "catch" 100s are making their way through. Things that are to be taken care of at the highest levels of diplomacy are being handled at the last level of muscle. What can you expect when Israel appoints bouncers for FMs?

I have my version of the story of -67, the preparations and the aftermath from Moshe Dayan. I believe in him and not in you.

They and their countries are endangered. Unfortunately, they are so consumed with hate towards us or just too stupid

Do you mean in the same way that Holland should have given their Jews out to Hitler in order so Holland wold not be harmed?

Watch the video in the next article. Oops! You'll probably claim it was fabricated.

...the same people who are against this raid will be satisfied when Israel is forced to target aerially those same missile emplacements which no doubt will have been deliberately positioned in densely populated urban areas amongst civilians and which are aimed at Israeli civilian population centres, won't they?

Enfin une bonne nouvelle! remaining is a very little probem how to intercept the IRAN's Atomic weapons ? Salut Ai shalom salam

Mr. Wright do you also believe the moon landing was a hoax as well? Oh right, it wasn't done by those joos

Do you know that in a few years' time your country will be ruled by Shari'a law? Enjoy your freedom while it lasts. Orientalist Bernard Lewis wites that by the end of this century, Europe will be Moslem. Just think of that!

Yes CJ! Go do your homework and you will see that the UN has been and still is by and large a body that has unfairly singled out Israel over the years. This is really not rocket science, it's common knowledge. You Idiots?? i am living in a country that is only now coming to terms with the shameful part of its past, and I can assure you that there is nothing quick or easy about that process. A process Australia hasn't even began thinking about. The Aboriginals aren't asking you to leave CJ? Could it be that there just aren't that many of them left anymore? Hmmm I'm sorry, but don't waste your time on these forums, as clearly you should be much more concerned about your country and coming to terms with its past first. You need a much deeper understanding of this conflict going on here. There is nothing simple or clear-cut about it, but shallow baseless arguments only inflame it. Maybe your argument is well-meaning, but it needs more balance and understanding.

Where exactly, did it say that these arms (are they actually illegal?) were addressed to? Why exactly was Israel siezing this ship off the cyprus coast? Why is the PM having a media orgy on board it immediately before a UN vote? I appreciate Iranian arms are Iranian arms BUT if they were destined to a legit customer then does ISrael offer an apology or will countries in the region carry out the same actions? It seems to me that a whole host of international laws were intentionally broken here simply to avoid yet another moral vote in the UN and deflect attention away from Israel. A lot of questions need to be answered but with the blinkered media frenzy on what some paranoid Israelis think without any proof? Worrying times

1 iran is under chapter vii unscr mandate prohibiting it from exporting arms. 2 iran has been waging a proxy war against israel for many years, and this war has been accelerating for the past decade. 3 a sovereign country has the right to self defence. it has the right to seize weapons destined to those who are at war with her. this right includes the seizure of weapons on the high seas. 4 threats from you that iran will "object and with force of arms if they so decide," are absolutely risible. iran is waging a war on israel from the north and from the south. iran is building a nuclear and ballistic missile arsenal with hostile intentions against israel.

The article says the captain allowed them to search.

Even the usually loyal New York Times can't help pointing out that Israel has yet to offer any proof that there were indeed weapons on board the ship. This could be awkward. If Israel keeps the ship for a week and then finally produces the weapons, it won't be very convincing.

"No it was not Syria who attacked in -67. Yes, it was. "Israel attacked" Egypt "attacked" Israel by implementing a blockade. Israel struck EGYPT militarily after negotiations failed. Jordan and Syria attacked Israel. "totally unprovoked by Syria who had not engaged in any of the hostilities up to that point" Either you are a liar, or completely clueless. Take your pick.

Why does Israel behave hostile towards Hezbollah? Seizing their weapons only serves to provoke them. The best way for Israel to handle Hezbollah is to take away any legitimisation (vis-a-vis its fellow Lebanese) that Hezbollah has for maintaining its military forces. That means: disengage from Sheeba Farms, and release all Lebanese prisoners in Israeli jails that Hezbollah considers freedom fighters. Israel should remember that the Lebanese shiites welcomed them in 1982 with flowers, and that Hezbollah is a resistance force against the Israeli occupation. If Israel does not provoke Hezbollah, it will not hurt Israeli's.

"israel is trying to make it seem like they are defending themselves but everyone knows that the occupation of lebanon started way before hezbolla was even formed," And everyone knows that the PLO was firing rockets into Israel from Lebanon before Israel entered Lebanon. At least, in this case, Israel is preventing Hezbollah from doing the very same thing again. THINK instead of being a knee-jerking, anti-Israeli.

Yep got my Times Atlas to make sure it was possible before suggesting it. Not sure if there are agreements in that area of the world particularly Turkey to allow sealed containers through like in Europe. But it is all perfectley possible I suppose, and with Turkey moving away from Israel and towards it's meighbour not beyond the realms of possibility either. Besides Iran must have found a way of doing it 40,000 rockets don't just appear out of thin air.

So don't worry, none of our boys will be hurt.

Neither the clarity of your statement; nor the truth that it and the back-up you provide, mean a thing to all the Israel-haters writing in today. As is always the case, Haazretz is publishing their innvective in a roughly 4:1 ratio against those of us trying to side with the sanity of Israel stopping this ship before hundreds would have been killed were the weapons to have been used against Israel and were Israel to have retaliated with its usual ferocity.

Keep on barking, dogsl our armed forces have a mission to execute - defending our nation. So you can provide the background music, Johnboy, CJ, Nitwit (err.. Linthwaite). My wish is that your countries be endangered like ours.

@ Chris Linthwaite So if Israel won`t abide by 1701 why should Hezbollah? Because Hizbollah are not the Government of the day, have never taken part in the country's election, do not have official representation in the UN and are not representative of the Lebanese people

It is UNIFIL mandate and job to stop arms shipments to Hizbullah.

and those are meant to hurt our civilians and destroy our cities. an eye for an eye! these are your words.. no?

When you espouse laws, try to remember ALL of them. Israel ASKED to inspect the cargo, which is legal. The crew, apparently not knowing they were hauling ILLEGAL ARMS said sure. If they had said no, Israel then would have been out of luck. They would have then asked the port the boat arrived at to do the inspection. The inspection found the arms, and they were seized. All LEGAL. If the arms had been part of listed cargo, then Israel could not have taken them. Unless there is a UN mandate that no arms can be shipped to Syria. Which I don't know if that's case or not. So sorry guys. This was all legal. Maybe... I don't know... Iran can stop trying to ships weapons to Hezbollah? Then things like this would not happen?

Congratulations! I see that Israel doesn't respect any international or Cypriot waters. The bullies back in action.

Iran is a country. Hezbollah is a NGO closely associated with a country's government. Hamas is an NGO and de facto government of a territory under occupation. None of them have anything to do, however with ownership of the ship in question or the flag it flies. Antigua is a country whose flag the ship flew. Israel may be acting in what it considers self-defense. But that action does not make its Navy some form of police agency on the high seas. If Iran and Antigua decide to, they have the right to object and with force of arms if they so decide, just as Israel decided to act with force of arms. The US Navy does this stuff more often. And when it does, it risks war, too, because those whose ships are seized can object and they might by force of arms.

In international waters they CAN flag down and inspect boats, as long as the crew accepts. This crew did. Once illegal arms are found then they can seize them. Do you CARE about the civilians these arms would have killed at all?

The UN has put sanctions on Iran including not allowing them to transfer weapons. In March, the US captured an Iranian ship(I understood it was in international waters) and forced it to go to a port in Cyprus. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123673405099190313.html

The Israeli's better be aware of Booby Traps if there is a next time and I'm sure there will be .The Iranians will place explosive devices that will destroy both the ship and any Israel who boards it.

Look at the wining of the losers who are not having a good day. Suddenly they throw all those meaningless legalities around an ILLEGAL WEAPONS SMUGGLED FROM IRAN TO HEZBO. The last time I checked, Iran is not allowed to export weapons and Hezbo is banned from having or arming with weapons according to 1701 and many previous UN resolutions. No, next time we will wait until the terrorist enter out waters, or better, wait until they bomb civilians with Katyishas. You should be grateful that we stopped them before they were used to murder civilians if you have any moral fiber.

I believe the time for the IAF is near. Israel is going to be doing a lot more than raiding ships within a few months or weeks? The prospect of bombing Iran has become virtually inevitable. Get on with it already!

IRAN SHIP. MEDICINE ! Israel should use the captured weapons to straf Hezbollah & Hamas. Feed them their own Medicine. Dismantle & improve on them ! That would really be a lark ! A poetic justice. We are patiently waiting to see the outcome. Now, neither Hezbollah,nor Hamas can complain. Can they?

Israel and Syria have legally been at war since the war of Independence ended in 1948. Additionally Iranian Revolutionary guard soldiers assisted Hezbolla in their war against Israel from Lebanon; thus putting Iran at war with Israel. So i have know idea what gripe many of you have with Israel for doing what any sovereign nation would do when at war.

Iran's government continues to show its desire to encircle and destroy Israel - these were not defensive arms which were intercepted by Israel's navy. Should Iran activate its proxies, I hope Israel will not fight with one arm tied behind its back, as it did in Lebanon and Gaza. No quarter will be given to Israel; no mercy should be shown its enemies. MV

...you forced me to run to my 20 kilo "The Times Atlas Of The World" to check how the train goes from Iran to Syria... It's via Turkey, or Iraq... Good friends all of them but the undertaking isn't really worth a few Katyushas. Uranium 238, maybe...even if it needs to be delivered in two transports of uranium 119... By the way, this is your thirteens...

there were tons of weapons on the ship, sent by iran to its terror proxy. glad you are back. hope you will be able to continue. best regards, cipora

Hello, where are you Mr. Ban Ki Moon and your UN Goons to condemn the fact that Iran is shipping illegal arms to Hizbollah? Where is the outrage at the spread of terrorism against Iran and Syria who are arming the radical islamist Palestinian thug factions Hamas, Hizbollah, and Islamic Jihad? When are you, sir, going to stop being an agent for the spread of hypocrisy that blames only Israel for crimes. May more ships be intercepted and then confiscated or sunk to send a message to the world that nations whose registered ships are found to be carrying illegal arms are going to have to face the music as well.

was this deliberate or fortuitous, they ask. iranian weapons smuggling is always deliberate. iran does not care on bit about jews, and this includes goldstone. the seizure of the ship with its tons of weapons was timed by the israeli navy based on intelligence they received. the attempt by iran to smuggle arms to its terror proxies is ongoing and will continue.

In that case then all Israeli shipping should be sunk as Israel is breaking international law by illegally occupying Palestine.

forget the UN laws made by a few to rule many. iran should send another convoy of ships this time with atleast a hundred navy vessels. if the idf wants to stop the arms shipments then make them do it in large numbers. if iran had a navy fleet protecting the cargo then israel could only stop them with a large navy air force and not this sneaky specail ops stuff. if i was iran i would say if you want another one of our ships its going to cost you big and the whole world will bare witness to it. time to shoot first and dont ask questions iran

worry not your head about this. the ship was carrying tons of candy for the time when one or several of the terrorists strike tel aviv with their toy rockets.

Its interesting to me that even through Iran and Lebenon as countries agree that they will not send weapons due to BOTH of them being part of the UN, people in here still question Israel on stopping ILLEGAL weapons from getting in... theres talk of international waters as if just because it is not IN Israel, YET, its ok to do something that these TWO countries have PROMISED NOT to do... please people, get a grip.. THIS action is EXACTLY how you ensure peace, if Israel was ILLEGALLY conducting wars in Africa(as accused before), you would WANT someone to stop them now wouldnt you?

These international crimes committed by Israel must be punished and punished severely. No Israeli vessel must be allowed to sail the seven seas and all Israeli vessels must be sunk on sight. Israel is breaking international law and doing it`s best to foster war, violence and murder of innocent people.

Goldstone's fallacious report is encouraging this sort of shipment.

First they declare a victory in 2006 with victory like that who needs loses Then their leader has to hide underground and appear on video screen following the great victory Then their master mass-murder terrorist gets to test his own medicine and choke on it in a big blast Then a weapon depot in south Hezbanon gets blown up Then a second weapon depot in south Hezbanon in the home a senior commander gets blown up and killed the thug in the process Now their weapon supply ship gets captured Im sure there are a lot of tense meetings in Tehran and underground in Beirut.

let us remember that without a world class intelligence, the navy would not have known which ship to board.

No it was not Syria who attacked in -67. Israel attacked - totally unprovoked by Syria who had not engaged in any of the hostilities up to that point - on the fourth day of the 6-day War. If you were told otherwise, it was nothing but a shameless propaganda lie, possibly meant to strengthen the invading Jewish settlers in Golan. But by not returning Golan, you have instead chosen perpetual war. Enjoy!

iran is mandated by chapter vii unscr from exporting arms to any country or group. furthermore, israel will continue to seize all weapons destined to terrorists such as hezbollah and hamas. israel is in a state of war with both those groups. antisemites and arab supporters would love to see israeli civilians targeted by thousands of missiles. they live for that thrill.

to all who screem "pirecy", hold your horses as more than one Nato country was involved in the action. 14 out of 400 containers are now opened, and the world will when all the weapons are out, be astonished.

Clearly the way to peace is to have the regime of murderers in Iran toppled. I wish luck for the Iranian people who are brave enough to take on the murderous regime that rules their nation.

israel is trying to make it seem like they are defending themselves but everyone knows that the occupation of lebanon started way before hezbolla was even formed, so for the israelis to say that they are doing certain things only in repsonse to what terrorists are doing is pure bs. hezbolla was formed in response to israeli imperialistic land grabs, of which founding zionist fathers planned and now is being executed. tell me why should hezbolla stop arming themseleves even the us backed lebanese govt. is starting to realize what israel is all about. israel/america tried to divide up lebanon, good lebanese vs. hezbolla but israel's failure can be seen in the fact that now this same us backed govt. is condeming israel and is in close cooperations with hezbolla. now israel wants the world to think that hezbolla is oppressing the lebanese people but what they dont tell you is hezbolla is comprised of nothing but lebanese people and they have won a considerable amount of parlimentary seats.

This must be the beginning of a larger mission that will help disarm Hizbollah and eventually lead to striking Iran. Iran is the backer of multiple terrorist organizations and in order to make peace we must cut the head of the serpent off.

Those are not weapon those old stock from israel warehouses they try to deflect the Goldstone report Fabricating story is a zionist habit they do not give up easily

Probably is no question that the arms were in international waters, headed for Syria. So what? Until a crime is committed, no action is required. What about "thought control" Wonder how many the idf would go after once Israel completes its new "Brain Scanner"? Do you have room in your jails or docking space for half the world's population? Increasing agressive unilateral preventive action will put you out there as a target for more nuts just like yourselves. Have a nice day.

These international crimes committed by Iran must be punished and punished severely. No Iranian vessel must be allowed to sail the seven seas and all Iranian vessels must be sunk on sight. Iran is breaking international law and doing it's best to foster war, violence and murder of innocent people.

What does the Canal have to do with this boat? It wasn't in the Canal.

That is a nugget of travels to be "irritated later on."If one is stopped,they will boggle on others....neurals/spirit....Sickness.

I don't understand why NATO,or The UN does not intercept Arm shipments to Israel?? After all Israel is occupation of Arab land by force is illegal. I think that the Arabs whose land is occupied will fight on whether they got arms from Iran, or not. The Israelis must realize that, they WILL NOT have peace until the land is given back.

Gets my vote everytime. Israel should certainly be disarmed of her nuclear weapons.

All these racists here whine that Israel is violating international law when in fact it is according to international law. UNSC 1803 gives us the right to board and seize any ships carrying any armaments from Iran regardless of the group getting those weapons.

The job has been done the ship has been hijacked and the crew interned. So in essence the thing is ended unless Iran decides to start enriching Uranium in response although I understand they are having their own internal problems at the moment. But it is puzzling that all this kit was put on a boat to sail past Israel when it could be put on a train to Syria and literally driven into Lebanon. There is something not quite right. Unless of course it is a feint and in fact a trainload of kit has just pulled up in Damascus and parked next to the Anti aircraft missiles Israel has threatened to go to war over if they enter Lebanon. As I said doesn't make sense, unless it is designed to be a cover for something else.

I was actually Syria that attacked Israel in both 1967 and 1973, and had its arse kiked on both occassions. Why on earth should Israel give back the Golan? The only time it ever belongred to Syria was 1948-1967?

60 tons of arms and ammunition, including long range missiles, being unloaded as we speak. You would love Israel to screw up, wouldn't you! Looks like you're the real loser here.

So its ok to use ''international waters'' to blow up Israeli Kids?? Did you think about what you wrote??

put their orders for weaponary through the Lebanese government, who will then hand them over on delivery. That would be totally legal, even better if Hezbollah was combined with the Lebanese military, whilst maintaining their own command and control. Then all of this would end

Beautifully!

Multiple UN actions have banned both arms trafficking by Iran and weapons deliveries to Hezbollah (UNSC#1701). Israel didn't intercept the ship on its own, but "in coordination with NATO ships" (learn to read more than just the title). So howls of "piracy" and "act of war" are particularly idiotic, even from the usual Talkbackers. Especially important now to see if other ships flagged by British "Commonwealth" colonies like Antigua have assumed a central role in arms smuggling to mideast Islamic terrorists - maybe this complicity is how UK intends to protect its London subway riders from more islamic bombing; it wouldn't be the first time. The tip-off: Brits won't lift a finger against Israeli seizures from their ships.

The bad guys will always screem foul when Israel acts to defend its citizens. I'm sure even if IDF forces kill evil terrorist Osama Ben Laden, we will have arab propagandists like Johnboy complaining that Israel has violated "international law." These guys can argue that the world is flat with a straight face - ignore them, and do what you know is right.

Iran is now a major arms supplier to Israel. It is probably 3rd rate crap, but the arms can be aimed north.

how do we stop the arms shipments coming thru Syria?

Mark, Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas, and other terror organization have been calling for the destruction of Israel, isn't that a declaration of war? Israel has been under siege and threat of war and terror by all Arab countries since 1948. The day Israel's independence was declared, Arab countries declared war on Israel. They have done the same in 1967. US and NATO do the same to interrupt arms to the Taliban and El Qaida.

yet further reasons. We will beat our enemy on land, at sea and the air. We will fight them in the waters, blue water, black water, heavy water and international waters. We have every right to do so! We're neutering our enemies. Wail on, diaper babies instead of learning

... must have also felt humanity was violated last year when US Marines ended a benign operation by the Somalia Navy by blowing out the brains of three innocent sailors. There must have been all kinds of fine print problems.

... some say the boat carried no ammunition... ... others say it was only defensive stuff on the way Syria, not Hez at all... ... still others claim it was actually ammo on its way to Iran to fight its own dissidents... ... the night is yet young, we will hear more...

Itself.And so, every action by Israel, whatever it may be, will be against International Law! Who is in favor? Chris? Eric? Goldstone? Ahmanidijad?

"Responding to people who have responded to my posts, it is called having a debate you should try it sometime." (Chris) The whole point of my post was about the futility of a debate. In fact, if anything, it is you who didn't respond to what I said! It was, my friend, about the damage done to Iranians and Hezb, in reducing their quantity of rockets to be transmitted further, by air, straight to the Israeli civilians.

1979

All arms shipments to Israel should be seized as well. After all, Israel is occupying Palestinian land illegally, building illegal settlements, and was convicted of comiting war crimes in Gaza.

If that is really what on that boat, where are the pictures of the weapons? I believe that Israel has screwed up big on this one. It will be interesting to see what happens next.

and they started burning Israeli flags, setting up proxies(Hezzbollah) to attack Israeli and Jewish targets on a global scale, Calling for Israel to be wiped off the map, the list can go on you know.

hate-filled ears and harts . Nothing can change that inborn nature .

you zionist would have turned lebanon into gaza a long time ago if you could

those weapons being used to murder Jews . This is their most erotically salivating fetish , and now they are being interrupted in the middle of it . I understand , it is a very unpleasant feeling .

A military commando enterprise during which no one is hurt and that prevents the loss of life and property of many civilians seems to bother you a lot. You seem to prefer massive bombing campaigns including civilian loss of life (e.g. Afghanistan) as long as it is "UN backed". I think your extent of "process orientation" is ethically problematic. It reminds me of the criticisim of a Swiss journalist who mumbled something about Israel's violation of Ugandan sovereignty when liberating the hostages from the hands of German and Arab terrorist. With a similar logic you will probably soon declare Kennedy's sea blockade of Cuba as piracy and the American Revolution an intolerable and criminal act against the legally established rule of King George. There is something pitiful about Englishmen who can't get over the fact that they no longer call the shots on this planet.

So what exactly was onboard this this ship?

1:Saudi Arabia,Jordan and Egypt wouldnt attack Israel. 2: The moment Hamas fire their new toy at Tel Aviv Bibi will topple them in Gaza 3: Turkey,Syria,Iraq allowing Iran weapons to traverse their lands would be to their detriment, we been at war with the latter two since 1948 so it doesnt really matter now does it. 4: Turkey telling us to f- off couldnt really break our heart we can just befriend Greece and nullify their Nato membership. 5: Sorry mate you loose this round try another(Without using foul language).

You left out part of those laws such as the part that says "exclusive economic zone"

Responding to people who have responded to my posts, it is called having a debate you should try it sometime. But is it really 11? wow I must be having fun.

The fabrication is in your head Najeeb - the ship is loaded with illegal weapons bound for ... where? I know your news sources are telling you it's a lie - but really - how can Israel fabricate such a thing when the evidence is there for all to see?

"Iran & Syria are officially at war with Israel." Since when has Iran been officially at war with Israel?

Israel is frst and foremoost responsible for the welfare of its own Jewish, Arab and other citizens. Gaza is not occupied, and neither is most of the west bank. When they were, the standard of living of all Palestinians rose incomparably to what it was before 1967. This is what "responsible for their welfare" means. It does not mean allowing to kill Israelis with impunity or to arm themselves to the teeth. Israel is definitely not responsible for the welfare of Hamas and Hezbollah - not by a loing shot.

Thats "Pro Israel" for ya.

When two nations are at war (unfortunately) it is only natural that one side would like to cut the enemies arm supplies. It is better to cut the supply before it is used to kill especially innocent civilians. Conventional wars were conducted against military targets and an arms shipment is one of them. If this was not an arms shipment then one could have raised the issue of piracy, legality but in this case everything is against Iran and Hezbollah. Israel did the right thing by capturing these arms before used against its civilian population as always is and maybe prevent the need for another unfortunate Lebanon war which where Hezbollah would hide behind its civilian population and then unscrupulously use it as a PR opportunity against Israel in the West. Good job and right on time.

"Whether you like it or not, Israel did not violate any laws here" "here" is actually the operative word...

"Think about what Iran represents, and do much better research on Israel from better sources. That should cure ya" Thinking about what Israel represents (illegal settlements, "Cast Lead", war crimes, apartheidt) is enough to make anyone sick...

The ship broke Egyptian laws and international laws, also seemingly some new international regulations about arm trade by Iran. Israel is a part of the international community and had every right to hold the ship. The ship lied to the canal authorities because if it would have presented a true manifest: weapons from Iran to points unknown, it would have been in real troubles. There is a trial going now in Egypt concerning terrorists supplied and backed by Iran-Syria-Hizballa.

"100 miles off the coast of Israel is international waters and outside of Israel`s jurisdiction" Quite correct. But we can't expect Israel to abide by the laws that other countries are obliged to follow...

how can seizing weapons which can potentially start a new war in the hands of Hezzbollah and co be stupid in any way???

All bad things in the middle east start and end with Iran. Get them under control, everything else will fall in line. Afganastan, Iraq, Hamas and Hezollah. Why is it that the world, USA included (thanks to Obama) is scared to confront and fight evil?

peter the somalis are protecting their sea from theft of fish by uropeans, chinese, asians and also from dumping nuclear waste in our water. They took advantage of the civil war to plunder our sea, so our young brave somali took the action to capture ships for payment. That is legal, you canot compare us with the israelis who are immune from international laws because of america blindly supporting for their action in over 60 years

we all know israel cant fight anyone who can fight back. even theplaying field and see what happens.

Israel possibly prevented a war with Lebanon by seizing this ship, had we wanted war we would have allowed the ship and its contents to reach you and your buddies in Sour, hence an Israeli reaction to your shooting Katyushas. But if Katyushas come through Syria like you admitt and I dont deny why not try and stop them or are you bored when there is no war???

.. and specifically not with Israel. Syria OTOH is at war with Israel since the Israeli attack upon Golan in -67. It will go away when the Golan heights are returned, in other words: Never!

everyone knows israel is criminal, but this is not the time to try and prosecute them. iranian ships should not operate in the dark and in disguise but openly and with a heavy military escort. the only language israel understands is violence and force. the case is simple if they were in international waters then they should have not given the ship up to a country who has no authority over that ship. one must remember this, the rockets even suicide bombers didnt come before the f-16's and the apaches and so on. Next israel will complain that the 'terrorists' will have smart rockets with laser guidance. all hezbolla has done is try to equip its self to match the highly aggressive and highly militarized israel. I want to know this, who started this middle east war. israel came and took land with UN(british) help. so always trace a conflict back to its origin if you want to see who started what and for what. the zionist charter is clear: take over land and gain greater israel

And they put those weapons to use against Israelis or fellow Lebanese I guess that would be okay with the anti-Israel crowd. If those weapons did reach the destination and were used and Israel fought back the Israel haters would still throw a tantrum about it.

Most people here are consumed by hatered toward Israel or by protecting Israel. A serious crime was commited against Egypt. Egypt is the castodian of the canal which serves the international community well. Egypt has, rightly so, very strict weapons holding laws. Egypt has been subjected to international terror. Weapons on ship like that can serve to an attack on the canal or on ships in it. Ship entering the canal has to show a legal manifest and declare its cargo. Just imagin a ship exploding anywhere in the canal and what it will do to Egypt economy, pride and well being. Somebody is rubbing it into Egypt face. Numerous international and Egyptian laws and laws of the sea were broken by that ship. As was written before there is some kind of semi embargo against arms exporting by Iran. Since time immemorial war ships can ask a merchant ship for a flag, cargo, from where to where. A ship must carry a true manifest declaring these facts. It did not, any body could arrest it.

Seems pretty simple to me. The goyim who are righteous (and they're out there) should merit Olam Haba. We have plenty of sources to support that notion. As for those in Am Yisrael who have betrayed their people, well, unfortunately our history has a few of those too (Datan and Aviram, etc...). We keep forgetting that Hashem sees everything - our innermost thoughts - and judges us accordingly, and with love. Those who deserve Rachamim shall receive it. But will we do teshuva in time? Will I? I hope so. In the meanwhile, the nations of world seem to care more about harming Hashem's people and trying to sever our bond with Him, whihc is of course absurd - it's Hashem's movie.

What you should really ask yourself would it be okay if Hezzbollah got hold of those weapons. Why should Israel be condemned for preventing a possible war???If thats worth condemnation then something is not pshycologicaly okay with you.

... they will have to launch fewer rockets upon Israel's civilians ... Those Israel's commandos! And there is not only damage done to Iranians, but also a terrible heartbreak forced upon Chris Linthwaite (11 posts(!) and friends... As mariapalestina #2 said: "No conscience, no shame, and no respect for international law." ..... as Rodney Dangerfield would have said...

Apparently Iraq is allowing Iran to transport weapons through it's country to Syria, and apprently even Turkey is allowing arms to be deliveres from Iran to Syria. Saudi Arabia is about to procure a weapons system capable of shooting down aircraft in Israeli airspace, and despite Israel's attempts Hezbollah is more powerful than before Lebanon 2. Even HAMAS after Operation cast Lead now has missiles capable of hitting Tel Aviv. Couple that with Egypt and jordan looking increasingly like they are going to annul their peace treaties and Turkey has told Israel to fuck off. It is looking rather interesting don't you think?

"Spain seizes ship in treasure row: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6896645.stm" //Gibraltar officials and Odyssey Marine Exploration, which owns the ship, said Spain had boarded the ship illegally as it was in international waters.// You were saying????

All countries are entitled to declare their territorial water boundaries as they see fit. Usually its 12 nautical miles but it does not have to be. So it can be 100 nautical miles. If no other countries dispute the distance, then there are no problems. However, I don't actually know what Israel claims as her territorial waters

So Iran doing this was against UN resolution.

If Iran had boarded and seized a US freighter carrying white phosphorus munitions to Israel to be used in attacking civilians in Gaza, Israel would certainly consider it piracy. Maybe Israel should replace its flag with the Jolly Roger. In the meantime, Netanyahu can order his minions in the US Congress to pass a resolution praising piracy and advocating changes to the laws of the sea, permitting it - for Israel only.

Those weapons never reached their destination thus possibly preventing a war between Israel and Lebanon, isnt that something to be happy about??? Or is everybody going to cry that they have no war to cry about???who needs war???

Is it really so black and white? If we accept that the Jews are the chosen people, don't we have any salvation too? I heard that gentiles who keep the 7 Noahide laws will also merit Redemption. I for one don't question Israel's right to live on the land they got from the Lord.

Will be interesting to see where this goes. If it was as straightforward as some of you state then explain this. In 2002 the US and Spain intercepted a North korean ship en route to the Yemen. It contained 15 DPRK Scud missiles. It was intercepted in a similar fashion to this Israeli interception today - well out of either Spanish or US territorial waters. After holding the missiles several months the US and Spain were obliged to forward the missiles on to Yemen. Several assumptions in this case; a) that they are going to Hezbollah, b) they are not a legitimate sale from Iran to another country. Believe it or not people, there aren't laws to countries buying and selling weapons. If Israel was so sure of this case they would intercept multilaterally and show everyone the evidence. But then they'd possibly have to return the weapons to the sender, Iran...

In the toilets/sewers of her enemies.

and that would be resolution number? And of course Israel does not need to abide by the rules you wish everyone else to abide by either. I mean Israel's flattening of Beruit and destruction of civilian infrastructure during Lebanon 2 wasn't attempted genocide or terrorising the population was it? Only applies if it is done to Israelis and more importantly a certain group of Israelis.

Israel is preparing for war against Lebanon and using fabricated stories like this to stir the fight. Katyousha is made now in Lebanon. The entire world know Hizbollah get everything through syria, so why bother and ship through the sea!!! kind of foggy!

Iran & Syria are officially at war with Israel. Therefore, under International law, israel has every right to strike at her enemies in any way including the prevention of arms reaching them. On the other hand, Iran and the USA are not [yet]in a state of war and any attack by Iran on US ships would then be illegal and could be regarded as an act of war.

"We all know how just and unbiased the UN is toward Israel in particular, don`t we?" If you don't pay the bill you get reminders. The UNSC has numerous reminders out on Israel. If it would only pay it's bill... "...when will the "Great Nation of Australia" wake up to the fact that it is essentially an illegal occupier of another people`s land?" When will you idiots stop dragging up the two wrongs make a right argument? BTW The British colonized Australia. In fact, it's WHY there are now laws forbidding the acquisition of territory by force. The Australian Aboriginals aren't asking us to leave. If they ever do, I'll move to Israel, as is my right, it was after all, founded in my name.

"Israel is at war with the Palestinians." No, it is not. Israel is the occupying power in Palestinian territory. Thus it is responsible for the welfare of the Palestinians. This is the reason why Cast Lead was in principle a war-crime. See the Fourth Geneva Convention. Attacking a foreign ship in international waters is an act of war.

The arms send by the US to Israel are not used for terrorist purposes. They are used for defensive purposes. Hezbollah and Hammas use these rockets to attack INDISCRIMINATELY population centers. There is absolutely no comparison. Israel did the right thing. A big BRAVO!

Israel has the legitimate right to defend itself. Do you really think that the Israeli navy would bother to board a ship of the coast of Cyprus if it did not feel there was good reason? Oh and by the way why is being a British Zionist such a contradiction in terms as you put it(British Zionist is there such a thing). Like many of my fellow British Jews we are both proud to be British and proud to support Israel.