The reason for the Israeli military attack on the international flotilla was to ensure Israel’s security, Ruben Mehrabyan, the expert for the Armenian Center of International and Political Research, told NEWS.am. “The purpose of the action to break the sea blockade of Gaza was to test Israel’s tolerance and determination. In the long run, a force has come to power in Israel, which is interested in the problem of Israelites’ right to life, rather than Palestinians’ rights. Naturally, Israel must act how it is supposed to in order to ensure its own security,” the expert said.
Mehrabyan disagrees with the opinion that the attack on the humanitarian flotilla was aimed against Turkey. “Israel’s steps were aimed to ensure Israel’s security irrespective of what flag the ships were flying,” he said.
As regards legal and political consequences of the incident, he said: “We should not forget that Turkish-Israeli relations are not as they were before; they are worsening. It is not Israel’s initiative. Turkey is the cause, as it is trying to restore its influence in the Middle East.” As regards the possible response by the international community, particularly NATO, Mehrabyan pointed out they will make stock appeals for peace.
In any case, the May 31 incident will even worsen the Turkish-Israeli relations.