Let the flotilla go

They wouldn't dare. If the IDF even thinks about roughing up Media Benjamin there will be war in America and that war will be directed against Israel. Women must show us the way and the best and finest women on this planet are puting their lives onn the line to advance the cause of freedom.

"You first start talking before you you start shouting" Do not cause unnessary complications. If your intention is to provide aid, do it from your heart, not a song and dance for the world to see like a child. Here in Africa we see through the charades of anti-Israel grandstanding, we have enough dictators of our own. Change the name of your publication if you genuinely feel so stongly against your own country. You people have forgotten your own history, how you became a nation, shame on you. What ever happened to "Never again!"?

let the flotilla dock in Gaza. Those who would like to see the flotilla breaking Israeli law,are playing into the hands of Israel's foes. A collection of thugs,nitwits,& seekers of cheap news. Anything to harm.

and keep up the conflick with the turks and make the whole world happy...

both sides are avoiding negotiating over the real issues. Hamas is an avowed arch ennemy. it needs to release shallit and renounce violence. and go to the negotiating table as a peaceful rastional entity, not a group that shoots school buses. the article avoids addressing the real issues.

San Remo Manual on Internatio­nal Law Applicable to Armed Conflicts at Sea Blockade 95. A blockade must be effective. The question whether a blockade is effective is a question of fact. 100. A blockade must be applied impartiall­y to the vessels of all States. It would be illegal for to enforce an ineffectiv­e blockade under internatio­nal law. If some vessels are to be allowed to breech the blockade simply because they show defiance than Israeli blockade would actually turn illegal and no vessel could be stopped even if it does carry arms.”

Let the Flotilla go - to Ashdod harbor - inspect the cargo, then transport it by trucks to Gaza. If the organizers of the flotilla have nothing to hide this should prove satisfactory to both parties. As far as the government equating the arrival of the flotilla with an attack by an armed naval fleet - this analogy is not so far off its mark, since this is no more than a media event which is tantamount to an attack (or war) via propaganda - especially since the organizers are probably fervently hoping for yet another military intervention and a confrontation with the IDF which would then increase global outrage against Israel and summon up more sympathy for the inhabitants of Gaza which would play directly into Hamas' hands. Goal accomplished - without a shot having been fired.... This is the new, modern warfare - attack by media manipulation.

The "world" will explode in another feast of Israel-bashing, and the atrocities in Syria will be forgotten. The flotilla will help Assad win and stay in power.

But the activists are looking for an adventure. They want to do something that will impress their friends. Daring heros in a noble quest for the suffering children in Gaza. Confronting the mighty israeli army. Standing up for human rights. Oh - shut up, please. The activists are very excited and happy. Their empty lives are being filled with a mission. A mission of and for Hamas.

for those live abroad , the issue of thwarting arms smuggling into Hamas -ruled Gaza is no more than a buzzing flea close to one's ears . For us, the very moment Hamas regime gets free hand in achieving AA missiles or other sophisticated weapons is translated to large scale terror. Since the naval blockade is a legal act by maritime laws , countries whose citizens plan to embark in these ships, will be adviced to discourage these provocative acts.

What is the worst thing that can result from Israel allowing the boats to reach Gaza ? What is the best thing that can result from Israel allowing the boats to reach Gaza ?

This editorial is not realistic. On first thoughts it seems like a good idea to turn this charade into a popularity contest. However Israel has to inspect the boats before they reach Gaza. They simply cannot be trusted.

and you live in a bomb shelter hotshot

Whatever Haaretz supports is bad for Israel, so by supporting the opposite of Haaretz's desires we are helping Israel.

with an escort, music and flags, the whole festive array one sees at regattas and tall ship flotillas. That would be one sure way of showing the world Gaza is not in need of humanitarian aid - as the Israeli government claims. Israel badly needs a positive PR stunt. A repeat of last year's debacle would only play into the hands of Hamas. All this militaristic overkill is not a good look. There was a time when Israel looked like the brave little David against the mighty Goliath. No longer. Israel now looks like a great big bully and the world is losing patience with the bullying of Palestinian civilians.

This is about highlighting the issue of palestines occupation and the control of its borders. This is not an argument israel can win. The more publicity the more they loose. The coverage is starting to snowball

It seems Haaretz editorial prefers saving the popularity of the country as against its security. Popularity might come if and when the reports about Oil and Gas off the Haifa shores quoting reserves as big as Saudia materialise . That is the unfortunate situation of the world : bowing to wealth , not morality. If there was no Arab oil, there would hardly be a resurgence of Islamism , the source of Hamas and the source of all Middle East problems.

I am a friend to Israel and so is my country Canada. Can we have a little less tough guy this time? Almost everyone world wide knows Israel's Armed Forces are very strong.I know this flotilla idea is not about humanitarian aid as do you. Whatever you decide to do, think about those of us around the world, that support you. Give us a way to deal with the anti-Israel rhetoric. Thank You.

Thanks Greece!!

The Egyptians have opened the Rafah crossing to PEOPLE only, not to GOODS. They are not foolish, and are not willing to take upon themselves the burden of Gaza; they prefer to leave it to Israel. The Gazans are still unable to import raw materials and export finished goods to the outside world. As long as this situation continues, the Gaza economy will remain in a very poor state and the flotilla problem, intended to call attention to the Gaza suffering, will remain. Of course, Israel should lift the economic blockade which has failed to achieve any intended goal. (The original intent was to get the Gazans to overthrow Hamas...) But the military threat from Gaza remains real. The air and sea blockade will have to remain in place. An economic recovery will take the wind out of the sails of future flotillas.