GPO Warns the Media on the Flotilla

I am not sure that the wording of this letter is the correct form, especially the part about being banned for 10 years, as the press is there to observe. And for sure, he could have added that any injuries incurred are solely their responsibility for getting in the way since the IDF is legally obliged to uphold the law.

Jerusalem, 26 June 2011

To: Representatives of the Foreign Press in Israel
Re: Press Participation in the Flotilla

Dear friends,

A flotilla of ships is due to arrive soon in the Middle East in order to try and enter the Gaza Strip.

This flotilla is a dangerous provocation that is being organized by western and Islamic extremist elements to aid Hamas, which the world defines as an extremist Islamic terrorist organization.

Those participating in the flotilla have declared that it is their intention to "break" the naval blockade that has been imposed on the Gaza Strip for security reasons, given Hamas's efforts to smuggle weaponry and terrorists into the Gaza Strip.

The flotilla intends to knowingly violate the blockade that has been declared legally and is in accordance with all treaties and international law. The Government of Israel has instructed the IDF not to allow the flotilla to reach its goal.

As the Director of the Government Press Office, I would like to make it clear to you and to the media that you represent, that participation in the flotilla is an intentional violation of Israeli law and is liable to lead to participants being denied entry into the State of Israel for ten years, to the impoundment of their equipment and to additional sanctions.

I implore you to avoid taking part in this provocative and dangerous event, the purpose of which is to undermine Israel's right to defend itself and to knowingly violate Israeli law.

Please pass along the contents of this letter to your editorial boards around the world.

Sincerely,

Oren Helman, Director
Government Press Office

The media is there to report what goes on just like at Montgomery, Alabama, Gandhi's Salt March in India and other civic actions no matter how we view the situation. Even though we know that the "media" also includes the involvement of advocacy activists who will probably interfere as subjective reporting efforts, asking them not to be a part is a bit pie-in-the-sky, with all their bias. Suggesting that they observe but from another ship, may not be practical but at least it stresses the concern of Israel that the press members not be injured.

Who knows, maye a camera would catch things we desperately need to prove out case.

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