Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz has called for a consultation with Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi, and other security officers, following the attack on the Israeli oil tanker Mercer Streetl, launched while sailing in front of Oman. This was reported by the commercial television Channel 12.
Israel blames Iran
Israel has no doubts that the attack – apparently carried out with an explosive drone – was organized by Iran. According to local media, Iranian Arabic-language TV al-Alam reported that the attack on the oil tanker was ordered in retaliation for a recent Israeli attack in Syria. An official Israeli source, quoted by the media, commented: “In all probability we will have to react. The question now is where and when ”.
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Two crew members were killed in the attack
Two crew members, a British citizen and a Romanian citizen, were killed during the attack on the tanker. This was reported by the BBC, recalling that the Israeli Foreign Minister, Yair Lapid, has pointed the finger at “Iranian terrorism”. “Iran is not just an Israeli problem,” said Lapid, adding that “the world must not be silent.”
Tehran does not respond to the accusations for now
Tanker MV Mercer Street was operated by London-based Zodiac Maritime, owned by Israeli shipping magnate Eyal Ofer; it flew the flag of Liberia and is Japanese-owned. Details on the dynamics of the attack are unclear and Tehran has not responded to the allegations at the moment.