'Madeleine' will not be allowed to reach Gaza coast: Israeli Defense Minister

As the aid ship Madeleine sails near Gaza after departing Sicily days ago, Israel has deployed a group of young children—mostly around ten years old—to confront global activists aboard the Freedom Flotilla with a misleading propaganda message.

One of the children, social media influencer Ben Carso, chosen by Transport Minister Miri Regev, appeared in an Instagram video aboard the Israeli vessel, flanked by peers wearing white shirts with the Israeli flag and the slogan “Am Yisrael Chai” (“The People of Israel Live”). Carso said:

“We are the children of Israel, we’re looking for Greta’s boat. We have something to say to you all.”
When the children responded “yes,” he threatened:“We’re coming to get you.”

Exploiting his youth, Carso said:“Children tell the truth. Greta Thunberg, when you were a child, you wanted good, not evil, to protect the world… how did you suddenly support terrorism? You talk about genocide—why can’t you condemn the horrors of October 7?”

He added:“If you want to feed Gaza, condemn Hamas—they take all the food. What about the hostages? Will you feed them? I invite you to meet me… I hope you wake up and see you’re on the wrong side of history.”

Context & Backlash
Carso, a primary school student, has emerged as an unexpected propaganda figure, appearing in English-language videos with his mother, defending Israeli war policies. His content has reached global audiences, especially in Canada, Australia, Brazil, and Iran. He has toured internationally, earning the title of “Little Ambassador for Israeli Propaganda.”

The children’s mission is sponsored by organizations such as LovingMoms, jewsinschool, and Israel Spirit, a civilian Israeli propaganda group. A separate Israeli-operated vessel loaded with environmental activists is expected to sail to rendezvous with the Madeleine to protest Greta Thunberg’s climate activism, claiming she no longer focuses on environmental issues.

Military Interception Plan
The Israeli army is preparing to stop the Madeleine before it reaches Israeli territorial waters, funding by Times of Israel officials. The presence of EU parliamentarian Rima Hassan aboard the vessel has complicated early interception.

The Israeli Shayetet 13 naval commandos are standing by to intercept the ship approximately 250 nautical miles (460 km) from Gaza. Israel fears that any live footage of the operation aired globally could damage its international reputation. Upholding its naval blockade, Israel is coordinating to ensure world coverage is minimized.

This confrontational deployment of children reflects Israel’s efforts to shape international perception as its global standing erodes amid allegations of genocide and ongoing war crimes in Gaza.