Tensions between Turkey and Israel are rising to a dramatic new level, as 20 ships and boats are currently organizing in Turkey to launch a new flotilla after Israel's interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla last week.
For the first time, there is a genuine fear that a military clash could develop between the two forces.
Diplomatic officials are working behind the scenes to defuse tensions, and IDF officials stated that Israel is currently utilizing diplomatic channels with Turkey to try to prevent the flotilla from setting sail.
Additionally, the Israeli Navy has begun preparations to intercept this upcoming flotilla if necessary. As of now, the ships have not yet departed from Marmaris.
The flotilla is being organized by the Turkish Humanitarian Relief Foundation, which was behind the infamous 2010 "Mavi Marmara" flotilla.
Turkish-Israeli tensions come as a result of last week's flotilla interception
This is an indirect result of last week's interception of a pro-Palestinian flotilla by the Israeli Navy west of the Greek island of Crete. The flotilla, which departed from Sicily towards the Gaza Strip, consisted of approximately 100 boats and ships, of which 20 were seized, and from which 175 activists were detained and deported back to Greece.
While last week's interception was largely peaceful, when Shayetet 13 commandos boarded the Marmara in May of 2010 to prevent it from reaching Gaza, soldiers were met with violent resistance from dozens of activists.
The activists attacked soldiers with knives and clubs, took some soldiers captive, and, according to the IDF, opened fire with live ammunition. The clash resulted in the deaths of 9 activists and dozens of injuries on both sides - 20 activists and 10 commandos.
A significant tactical concern remains: Unlike the interception near Crete last week, this new route's proximity to the Turkish coast significantly increases the risk of a confrontation between the two national navies.