Vision to Reality: The Reut Blog

The Jerusalem Post quotes an op-ed by George Galloway in the British Socialist daily ‘The Morning Star’ in which he declared that a flotilla of ships called the “Viva Palestina convoy” will leave from London, Casablanca, and Doha on September 18. It seems that Galloway has drawn heart from the diplomatic environment surrounding Israel’s actions in Gaza. In his article, he mentions both the condemnation of the blockade of Gaza by the EU and UN as well as David Cameron’s statements about Gaza being a prison camp.

The effectiveness of the Gaza Flotilla on May 31 stemmed from the unique circumstances it took place in; the significant presence of European critics on board, the general ignorance regarding the IHH’s true nature , the absence of understanding within the West as to the logic of Israel’s policy in Gaza, and the use of force by the IDF and its dire consequences.

These circumstances are unlikely to be repeated. Israel’s lifting of the civil blockade against Gaza and the beginning of direct talks with the Palestinian Authority will make it easier for Israel to deal with future Flotillas, especially if they arrive from enemy states, such as Libya, Iran, or Lebanon.

However, the flotillas are only the tip of the iceberg. Even if they are no longer an effective tool against Israel, the network that produced the flotillas will continue to be mobilized towards another campaign against Israel’s fundamental legitimacy.

Rather than focusing on how to prevent future flotillas, Israel should focus  on developing a strategy to battle the network behind them.