Arab MK Tibi Forcibly Removed from Podium
Arab MK Tibi Forcibly Removed from PodiumIsrael news photo: Knesset Channel

Amid conflicting reports as to the destination of the blockade-busting Libyan ship, it has been learned that MK Ahmed Tibi was involved. MK Ben-Ari says it should be sunk, which would be a legal act if done within Israeli territorial waters.

Dr. Tibi, an Arab Knesset Member of the Raam-Taal party and past official advisor to Yasser Arafat, confirmed Sunday morning that he had been in touch with the organizers of a Libyan ship headed eastward. The captain originally said he was headed for Gaza, in an attempt to break Israel’s naval blockade, and Libyan backers repeated again today that this is still their plan.

It was reported last night that Israeli diplomatic efforts had borne fruit and that the boat would set anchor in Egypt instead.

Tibi said he gave the organizers a list of medicines needed in Gaza. The ship is reportedly laden with 2,000 tons of food and medicines.

Meanwhile, MK Dr. Michael Ben-Ari (National Union) said he believes that this latest threat against Israeli sovereignty should be met with force. “In order to stop this flood that could lead to dozens of ships and thousands of refugees storming our borders, this ship should be sunk.”

“This is the only way they will realize that we are ‘crazy’ and that we will do whatever necessary to defend our right to exist,” Ben-Ari said. “It will cost us in the short run, but will have great benefits in the long run.”

Defense Minister Ehud Barak said that the Libyan ship is an “unnecessary provocation… Goods can be delivered to Gaza via our Ashdod port, after they are properly checked. We will not allow weapons and the like for combat-supporters in Gaza. We advise the ship to allow itself to be escorted to Ashdod, or to sail directly to El-Arish [Egypt].”