As IDF soldiers moved to seize control of ships in a Gaza-bound flotilla far from Israeli shores, Israel's diplomatic apparatus went on the offensive Thursday – sharing footage of soldiers holding up condoms and drugs found aboard one of the vessels.
Israel's official English-language X account for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs posted a video from the boarding operation, showing some of the "goods" the flotilla activists had brought. "This is the 'medical aid' found on the deck of the PR stunt known as the flotilla," the post read. "Condoms and drugs."
This is the "medical aid" found aboard the PR stunt flotilla: condoms and drugs pic.twitter.com/RKiHrGLWfw
— Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) April 29, 2026
Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon also weighed in, writing on his account, "Another provocative flotilla stopped before reaching our region. Kudos to the IDF soldiers, who operate with professionalism and determination against a group of bizarre agitators looking for attention."
The flotilla, which departed from Barcelona about ten days ago, comprises dozens of ships. According to reports from activists on board, Israeli soldiers – who the activists said arrived on fast vessels – boarded some of the ships and ordered passengers to gather at the bow and sit in an orderly fashion. If the handling of the flotilla follows past practice, the navy would transfer the ships to Ashdod port, where activists would be handed over to the Israel Prison Service until their deportation proceedings are completed.
