The IDF is training female cadets to take over the women's flotilla boat. The Sunday Times writes:
It hopes the all-women boarding party will minimise bad publicity.
Witnesses at the commandos’ Mediterranean base near Haifa in northern Israel reported that hardened members of the “shayetet” (the flotilla), who are more familiar with secret cross-border missions, appeared bemused by their young charges. Young women could be seen being taught to handle speedboats, prepare for emergencies at sea and clamber on to larger ships.
“The commandos are confused,” said one source. “These frogmen are trained to carry out sensitive military missions. Last month they were sent to deal with the Turkish civilians. Now they’re asking them to deal with ladies, and all of it live on television.”
I don't have a problem with female soldiers. But if Israel's placing PR ahead of operational concerns, this could only become a bigger fiasco — and the potential headaches are already big enough.
