Needed: A policy change toward Gaza flotillas
Well, Israel has intercepted the current flotilla and is advertising its success. As with the prior interception Israel is very nice and courteous to the travelers. But there are more flotillas forming and some are already on the way. Given the large number of flotilla boats it will not be a surprise when Israel’s current policy of intercepting and blocking the flotillas will fail to catch all the boats; some of these will get through. By breaching Israel’s blockade, anyone who lands in Gaza will attain worldwide publicity. He will receive world acclaim as a brave idealist who defeated Israel and the IDF,
To avoid the public humiliation of these small boats breaching the blockade and beating the IDF, Israel needs to change policy. Israel should just ignore those on the flotilla and let them into Gaza. Those who land ashore will not be able to say they defeated Israel’s defense.
Yes, let all these passengers on their boats land. Some of the boats might founder on landing and their occupants will get wet legs and hips and might even lose their backpacks. They will scramble to land in Gaza and the people there will ask them “what gifts have you brought us?” and whatever they have brought will be insufficient and will likely lead to locals grumbling and even looting the boats.
Come nights the flotillers (my new word) will have to find somewhere to sleep. Likely they will have brought tents, ordinary by our standards but the tents and accommodations and accoutrements (food, bedding, pots, foldable chairs, etc) will be envied by the residents. It is possible that their sleep will be interrupted by curious lookers and maybe some tents will be looted.
Some Gazans will want real help. Past events suggest these will not be a patient waiting group. The flotillers will perhaps be mobbed and entreated and will be unable to respond. Some might want to go home earlier than planned.
But Israel should not let any of them into Israel: not for food, not for medical care, not for a trip to Ben Gurion to catch a flight. If the flotillers want to leave they will have to reboard their boats and find the food and supplies necessary for a return trip.
Some might decide to cross into Egypt to escape. If the Egyptians agree, well then OK. I am sure the Egyptians will give them discounts on hotels, taxis, and tickets out of the country.
Israel will be able to say: “They wanted to come and we didn’t stop them; if they are having problems they can turn to Gaza or the UN for the needed help”.
Israel should not intercede in these next flotillas; let the reality of their hubris replace the propaganda of being blockaded. At present the real motivation of many on these flotillas is overlooked by the publicity of their interception. However, that motivation, which is Jew hating under the guise of anti-Zionism, needs to be exposed. Israel should step aside and let the ugliness of that motive,”kick the Jews”, be revealed.
