Israeli naval commandos stormed a flotilla of ships
 

I think the shit has just hit the fan.

Right now, estimations run from 10 to 20 killed and many wounded.

You might hear references to the Altalena Affair in this discussion. This was an altercation between Jewish insurgents and the Jewish army before Israel independence.

Also there is the Karine_A_Affair which was 2002 and involved 30 tons of weapons bound for Palestine.

I'm curious if weapons will be found on board the ships.

Still, it was a stupid move. The loss of support will probably outweigh the short term tactical advantage even if weapons are found. Taking the ship in international waters could be construed to be an act of piracy. If Israel wanted to create a blockade, they should have declared one and intercepted the ship along their coast.

Botched to say the least: sending soldiers with paintball guns into an angry mob, as an opening move.

As I said in another thread, politicians react, they don't act.

I'm beginnig to think that to get elected, you have to be as empty headed as a blonde.

And comparing a politician to a blonde might be construed as an insult for blondes.

I wonder if they were in international waters or waters where they claim they are territorial, most countries have a difference and even those boundries are disputed by adversaries.

Everything I've seen says international. Bad move on a number of levels - IMO.

If they have found supposed ships in the past that were suppose to carrying "humanitarian aid" and was found to be full of weapons I think I would stop every ship too.

Thats your choice, but don't do it in international waters.

OH and I just read something about this group that has been found to be less than a charitable organization repeatedly in the past.

According to the BBC: "The UN Charter on the Law of the Sea says only if a vessel is suspected to be transporting weapons, or weapons of mass destruction, can it be boarded in international waters. Otherwise the permission of the ship's flag carrying nation must be sought."

Israel complains its soldiers were attacked, but what kind of welcome were they expecting exactly? Lei's and a BBQ?

Reminded me of this Time article about the Arctic Sea hijacking.

No weapons - kids toys, and medical equipment so far.

They went looking for a confrontation. They got one.

Biased, but worth looking into:

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7...897667,00.html