Netanyahu Condemns 'International Hypocrisy'

Benjamin Netanyahu rejected international criticism of a deadly raid against a flotilla carrying aid to Gaza, saying today that the blockade of the Palestinian territory is needed to prevent missile attacks against Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. "Israel is facing an attack of international hypocrisy," Netanyahu said in a statement broadcast from his office.

He said the flotilla was seeking to flout the blockade, not to bring aid to Gaza. "If the blockade had been broken, it would have been followed buy dozens, hundreds of boats," he added. "Each boat could carry dozens of missiles." The comments came hours after all remaining pro-Palestinians activists from the aid ships were sent to Ben-Gurion airport near Tel Aviv to be deported. (More Benjamin Netanyahu stories.)