The Israeli Navy is ready to intercept an activist mission sailing dozens of boats to Gaza to challenge Israel’s blockade of the Strip, IDF Spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin says in a press conference.
“We are following this flotilla; we have experience from the past, but this one is different, with dozens of vessels,” Defrin says in response to a question.
He says the Navy is “ready to defend Israel’s borders at sea. We are prepared, and the Navy is prepared.”
“This flotilla, we know to say, is planned and funded by Hamas, by Hamas representatives in Europe; we have clear evidence of this,” Defrin claims.
He says that those who want to help Palestinians in Gaza can do so through the organized aid routes used by various nations and international groups.
Is our live election coverage important to you?
Are you relying on The Times of Israel for accurate and timely coverage of the 2026 Israeli election? If so, please join The Times of Israel Community. For as little as $6/month, you will:
- Support our independent journalists who are working around the clock to report political developments as they unfold;
- Read ToI with a clear, ads-free experience on our site, apps and podcasts; and
- Gain access to exclusive content shared only with the ToI Community, including our DocuNation streaming film series and weekly letters from founding editor David Horovitz.
Join The Times of Israel Community
JOIN NOW
Already a member? Sign in to stop seeing this
You're a dedicated reader
We’re really pleased that you’ve read X Times of Israel articles in the past month.
That’s why we started the Times of Israel - to provide discerning readers like you with must-read coverage of Israel and the Jewish world.
So now we have a request. Unlike other news outlets, we haven’t put up a paywall. But as the journalism we do is costly, we invite readers for whom The Times of Israel has become important to help support our work by joining The Times of Israel Community.
For as little as $6 a month you can help support our quality journalism while enjoying The Times of Israel AD-FREE, as well as accessing exclusive content available only to Times of Israel Community members.
Thank you,
David Horovitz, Founding Editor of The Times of Israel
Join Our Community
Join Our Community
Already a member? Sign in to stop seeing this