Israel weighs possible responses to activists sailing to Gaza

By HERB KEINON
A day after authorities in Cyprus said they would not try to stop a group of activists from sailing to Gaza in an organized protest against the Israeli blockade of the Palestinian territory, consultations were held in the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem and at the Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv to discuss possible Israeli responses. Foreign Ministry spokesman Aryeh Mekel said, "We heard about the demonstration, and are following the developments." The California-based Free Gaza group leading the trip said it would sail in two boats from Cyprus's port city of Larnaca either Friday or Saturday. The trip is aimed at setting a precedent for others to follow, protest organizer Greta Berlin said. The group plans to deliver 200 hearing aids to a Palestinian charity for children and hand out 5,000 balloons. Jeff Halper, an Israeli event organizer, said some 40 activists from 16 countries will make the trip - including Israelis, Palestinians and Anne Montgomery, an 81-year-old Catholic nun. The Guardian reported that Tony Blair's sister-in-law Lauren Booth will also join the voyage. AP contributed to this report.