Israel’s Minister Faces Global Criticism Over Treatment of Detained Activists

In Jerusalem, a global backlash unfolded after Israel’s far-right National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, released videos targeting detained activists from a flotilla attempting to breach the Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip. The videos feature Ben-Gvir among approximately 430 detainees brought on navy ships, notably displaying activists with hands tied behind their backs, kneeling at Ashdod port and on a ship’s deck. Ben-Gvir waves a large Israeli flag, proclaiming, ‘Welcome to Israel. We are the landlords.’ A handcuffed activist is shown shouting ‘Free Palestine’ before being pushed to the ground by security personnel.

In a subsequent video, Ben-Gvir mocks the activists, stating, ‘They came here all full of pride like big heroes; look at them now.’ He urges Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for permission to imprison them. The output of the videos prompted six nations—Canada, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands—to summon Israeli ambassadors, seeking explanations for the treatment of their citizens.

The Global Sumud Flotilla’s organizers noted that the sister of Irish President Catherine Connolly was among participants from over 40 countries intercepted in international waters. Irish Foreign Minister Helen McEntee expressed outrage in a statement, demanding the ‘immediate release’ of the detained individuals. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni denounced the treatment as violative of human dignity, while South Korean President Lee Jae Myung described Israel’s actions as ‘out of line.’

British Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper criticized Ben-Gvir’s conduct as breaching basic respect standards and works to aid detained British nationals. Greece’s Foreign Affairs Ministry labeled the incident as ‘unacceptable and entirely condemnable.’ Turkey accused the Israeli government of exhibiting a ‘violent and barbaric mindset.’

Meanwhile, Netanyahu, who relies on Ben-Gvir’s far-right Jewish Power party for coalition support, somewhat distanced himself from the event. While affirming Israel’s right to stop ‘provocative flotillas of Hamas terrorist supporters,’ he stated Ben-Gvir’s actions were ‘not in line with Israel’s values and norms.’ Netanyahu has directed that the activists be deported promptly, seemingly opposing Ben-Gvir’s call to imprison them in Israel.