It will intercept this weekend's Gaza-bound Lebanese flotilla with the same commandos used against a previous Turkish convoy, the Israeli military has said.

Ynetnews reported on Monday that two ships are expected to leave from Lebanon for Gaza: one allegedly carrying 25 European activists, including parliament members, and about 50 journalists, and a second said to carry female activists with chemotherapeutic medications for women and children and humanitarian aid.

An Israeli military official said, "We are preparing for several scenarios. It is not yet clear which boats, if any, will make their way towards Gaza or who will be on board. In any case, we will prevent any vessel from reaching Gaza."

According to the reports of Ynetnews, the Israeli navy said there were problems during the May 31 takeover of the Turkish ship, "Mavi Marmara," because there were members of the pro-Palestinian IHH group on board wielding knives and iron rods. Nine activists died in that confrontation, bringing stinging criticism of Israel.

It has better intelligence but its commandos are preparing for surprises, the Israeli army has said.

"The bottom line is that we will act in the same manner, with the necessary improvements to the tactical problems that were raised. If we will find terrorists aboard the vessels, we will not hesitate to harm them. If we find innocent civilians, we will escort them to shore peacefully," said an Israeli military source.

It would ease its Gaza Strip blockade, allowing all goods in except those on a black list of forbidden goods, Israel had said on Sunday. (With Inputs from Agencies)