The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced it is fully “prepared” to respond to a high-profile, politically charged attempt to breach Israel’s maritime blockade of Gaza.
The activist ship en route to Hamas-controlled Gaza is led in part by left-wing activist Greta Thunberg.
“For this case as well, we are prepared,” said Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin, speaking to The Times of London.
“We have gained experience in recent years, and we will act accordingly.”
Thunberg, now 22, boarded the UK-registered vessel “Madleen” along with 11 other activists.
Others on board the ship include a French Member of the European Parliament and “Game of Thrones” actor Liam Cunningham.
They are claiming to be delivering humanitarian aid.
The boat left Catania, Sicily, on June 1 and is aiming to arrive near Gaza by June 7.
“Because the moment we stop trying is when we lose our humanity,” Thunberg declared before departure.
“It’s not even near as dangerous as the silence of the entire world in the face of the livestreamed genocide.”
Despite the rhetoric, Israeli officials have made clear they will not allow violations of the Gaza blockade.
The blockade is designed to prevent weapons and material support from reaching Hamas, the terrorist group responsible for the October 7, 2023, massacre.
This is not the first time the so-called “Freedom Flotilla Coalition” has tried to challenge Israeli sovereignty.
Their prior, larger vessel was attacked and disabled before it could pick up Thunberg, and was later towed to Libya.
While the group accuses the IDF, the Israeli military has not confirmed involvement.
Passengers have actively broadcast their location, even sharing videos suggesting surveillance or threats.
“There’s a drone on top of our ship,” said Brazilian activist Thiago Avila.
According to the Jerusalem Post, Avila previously attended the funeral of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.
The drone was later identified as belonging to the Hellenic Coast Guard.
Among the 12 activists are citizens from Germany, France, Brazil, the Netherlands, Sweden, Turkey, and Spain — a multinational mix echoing far-left causes.
Meanwhile, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-GA) voiced skepticism online, writing:
“Hope Greta and her friends can swim!”
The Council on American-Islamic Relations responded with outrage, accusing Graham of being “inhumane and reckless.”
The organization claimed his words could be interpreted as a “green light” for violence.
Critics note the hypocrisy in the activists’ mission, which comes as the Trump-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has already delivered over 7 million meals to civilians.
Feeding civilians is a key part of Trump’s plan to aid the people of Gaza while keeping supplies out of Hamas’ hands.
While Thunberg and her allies claim to bring “aid,” the real question remains: Are they bringing peace, or provocation?
The IDF, as always, appears ready to protect Israeli sovereignty.
