Defense Minister Israel Katz has directed the IDF to prevent the arrival of the “Madleen” flotilla, currently en route to the Gaza Strip and led by anti-Israel activist Greta Thunberg, in an attempt to violate the naval blockade. Katz instructed the IDF not to allow the ship to reach the shores of Gaza and to take all necessary measures to stop it.
“You’d Better Turn Around – You Won’t Reach Gaza”
The defense minister stated: “The State of Israel will not allow anyone to violate the naval blockade on Gaza – which is primarily intended to prevent the transfer of weapons to Hamas, a murderous terrorist organization that holds our hostages and commits war crimes. I have instructed the IDF to act to ensure that the ‘Madleen’ flotilla does not reach Gaza.”
“To Greta the antisemite and her Hamas-propaganda-spouting friends – I say this clearly: you’d better turn around – because you are not getting to Gaza. Israel will act against any attempt to break the blockade or assist terrorist groups – at sea, in the air, or on land,” Katz added.
The Gaza Flotilla
The flotilla to Gaza, led by Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, is on its way to the Strip. After departing from Sicily on June 1, 2025, the ship, carrying 12 activists, is nearing Gaza’s coast. If there are no changes, they are expected to arrive on Monday.
High Spirits
Greta Thunberg, who is at the center of the flotilla – whose purpose is to provoke – told the Sunday Times that the mood on board is excellent. However, she acknowledged the risks involved in the mission and said she felt compelled to act in response to what she claims is a “genocide” in Gaza.
Confrontation with the IDF
The flotilla, which claims to be carrying humanitarian aid for Gaza residents, includes not only Thunberg but also other activists from diverse ideological backgrounds, such as Rima Hassan, a Member of the European Parliament, and Omar Faiad, a journalist with Al Jazeera. According to the activists, they are preparing for a possible confrontation with the IDF and have said they intend to broadcast it live if it occurs.
The Request and the Rejection
According to The Times, the United Kingdom – whose flag flies on the vessel – rejected Israel’s request to block the ship from entering its territorial waters. In Israel, opposition to the provocative flotilla is seen as a necessary step to maintain national security and protect civilians.
