Ex navy chief skeptical of Israel apology to Turkey

Maj.-Gen. Marom described interception of flotilla as an important contribution to Israeli security, doubts apology will be "worthwhile."

By YAAKOV LAPPIN
Pro-Palestinian activists with Turkish flags 370 (photo credit: REUTERS)
Pro-Palestinian activists with Turkish flags 370
(photo credit: REUTERS)
Former Navy chief Maj.-Gen. Eliezer Marom on Sunday expressed skepticism that Israel's apology to Turkey over the Mavi Marmara would result in improved relations, and called for full backing to be provided to Navy commandos.
Speaking to Army Radio on Sunday, Marom said that the prime minister "sees the full picture.. [but] I have doubts about the timing and motivation of this apology."
He described the Navy's interception of the Turkish flotilla in 2010 as an important contribution to Israeli security, and part of a wider policy "which prevented the setting up of an Iranian port in Gaza,"
"I'm not sure that the apology will be worthwhile for Israel... I don't think that tomorrow morning relations between us and Turkey will go back to what they were," he added.
"It's very important for soldiers to receive backing before, during, and after operations," the ex-Navy commander said.
Israel's naval blockade of Gaza is in line with international law, and is aimed at preventing arms shipments to terror organizations, Marom pointed out. "The Turkish government and other elements, despite requests by me... and government officials, preferred to let the IHH - a terrorist organization that is accused of supporting Al-Qaida in Turkey itself - it allowed a flotilla of hate for Israel [to proceed]," Marom added. "They attacked us."