White House rejected Israeli intel, blocked use of anti-riot gear against flotilla

White House rejected Israeli intel, blocked use of anti-riot gear against flotilla

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama stopped Israel from using anti-riot gear to prevent a Turkish-sponsored flotilla from breaking the siege on the Gaza Strip.

Diplomatic sources said the White House rejected Israeli intelligence assessments that the six-ship flotilla contained weapons and Islamist fighters trained to resist any boarding operation. The sources, privy to Israeli-U.S. government communications, said Obama and his leading aides pressed Israel against any act that would be deemed excessive force.
"The White House demanded that Israel exercise extreme caution and restraint in any scenario," a diplomatic source said.

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