Israel's Greenpeace Tactical Capabilities

The Israeli Navy appears fully engaged in the action, doing the kinds of things Navy's do in war.

A boat carrying international peace activists, including former Georgia congresswoman Cynthia McKinney, and medical supplies to the embattled Gaza Strip sailed back into a Lebanese port on Tuesday after being turned back and damaged by the Israeli navy, organizers of the trip said.

The crowds on the docks in the Lebanese port city of Tyre were jubilant and cheering as they welcomed the vessel.

The boat, which set off from Cyprus Monday wanted to make a statement and deliver medical supplies to embattled Gaza. The trip’s organizers said the boat was clearly in international waters, 90 miles off the coast of Gaza, at the time of its close encounter with the Israeli navy.

“Our boat was rammed three times, twice in the front and one on the side,” McKinney told CNN Tuesday morning. “Our mission was a peaceful mission. Our mission was thwarted by the aggressiveness of the Israeli military.”

Yigal Palmor, a spokesman for Israel’s Foreign Ministry, denied there had been any shooting although the two ships had made “physical contact.”

Welcome to the world of maritime commerce, where Greenpeace has used similar tactics for years. Do I have any sympathy? Not really, military blockades are part of war, regardless of cargo a nation either puts up a blockade with a purpose, or it doesn't.

Once upon a time, ramming was the tactic of choice at sea. Nice to see several centuries later the art is still utilized. Too bad we didn't get the name of the Israeli ship.

BTW, I don't know if I would do that with the LCS., even against the tiny SS Dignity one could imagine a pretty nasty dent in a LCS hull. Just saying.