"I am certain that your investigation will find that the State of Israel and the IDF acted in accordance with international law, and that IDF fighters aboard the Marmara displayed remarkable courage while carrying out their duty and protecting themselves from a real threat to their lives," Netanyahu told a panel investigating the May 31 commando raid.
Nine Turkish citizens were killed in the raid.
"I trust the IDF’s fighters and the entire State of Israel is proud of them," the PM said Monday morning during his testimony before the investigative committee, which is headed by former justice Jacob Turkel.
In his testimony, the prime minister said the ministers did not hold an in-depth discussion on the commando operation itself, but focused on the media-related aspects of the affair. According to him, the ministers supported upholding the blockade despite the possible repercussions.
"The operation was a last resort. I, the defense minister, and the army chief called for minimal friction – yet we prepared because we knew there’s an intention to undermine Israel’s image," he said. "I sought a brainstorming session of the forum of seven top government ministers on how to prevent this. We did not discuss the operation, with the exception of the media effect."
The prime minister also appeared to shift responsibility to Defense Minister Barak, who he said was the man in charge while the PM was abroad.
"I left instructions and asked the defense minister to activate me and the top ministers if necessary. I wanted there to be one address here in Israel and he (Barak) was that address," the prime minister said.
Netanyahu said that in late April and early May Israel began receiving information on the IHH’s involvement in the planned voyage. "The intent was to cause provocation and international pressure on Israel," the PM said.