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Israeli PM testifies on ‘Flotilla of Freedom’

Arab-Israel Relations Materials 9 August 2010 15:17 (UTC +04:00)
A special commission investigating the arrest of the “Flotilla of Freedom” and the subsequent killing of nearly a dozen passengers on board began questioning witnesses today. Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has already arrived for questioning.
Israeli PM testifies on ‘Flotilla of Freedom’

A special commission investigating the arrest of the "Flotilla of Freedom" and the subsequent killing of nearly a dozen passengers on board began questioning witnesses today. Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has already arrived for questioning.

The commission is led by former Judge Jacob Turkel.

Netanyahu is testifying behind closed doors. The questioning began early morning.

In a speech earlier before Turkel's commission, the PM said the naval blockade against Gaza has been declared to prevent arm supplies to the Hamas movement.

Israeli naval commandos boarded the "Flotilla of Freedom" May 31 to prevent the ship from reaching Gaza. A clash ensured and nine Turkish citizens were killed.

Alongside a U.N. international commission, the Israeli government began investigating the incident. Israel states that its military acted in self defense against the passengers who were carrying weapons and attacked the soldiers.

The full-state committee has the right to question high-ranking military and political officials.

The commission will also hear Defense Minister Ehud Barak Aug. 10, and IDF Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi Aug. 11.


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