ISRAEL: Navy preparing to block flotilla of activists determined to reach Gaza
The eight-ship flotilla is determined to break through the naval blockade and reach Gaza. Israel is just as determined this isn't going to happen. Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman said Friday that the aid convoy was violent propaganda and that "Israel will not allow its sovereignty to be threatened in any way, in any place -- land, air or sea."
What might become a standoff at sea will have been preceded by a standoff of narratives via the Internet and media, which ultimately will declare the winner of the duel. Meanwhile, there seemed to be a ghost in the machinery -- technical problems held up one of the boats taking part in the sail, resulting in a delay. Greta Berlin of Free Gaza told Israeli media the flotilla's departure was postponed until Saturday morning in an effort to avoid a late-night encounter with the navy. Israeli TV reported Friday evening that the navy was setting out in a few hours anyway.
Watch live streaming video from insaniyardimat livestream.com
(To see live broadcasts from the ships, go to livestream.com (above) and for other videos and uploads to witnessgaza.com. Enjoy the live broadcast while it lasts; Israel intends to use screening to prevent live broadcasts of interception.)