Israeli Prime Minister Criticizes Minister for Treatment of Flotilla Activists

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rebuked National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir after videos surfaced showing his behavior towards pro-Palestinian flotilla activists. The footage, released by Ben-Gvir himself, included scenes of him mocking the activists while they were detained by Israeli security forces.

Ben-Gvir, a right-wing government official previously sanctioned by U.S. allies for inciting violence against Palestinians, appeared in the video among the approximately 430 activists of the Sumud Global Flotilla. He waved an Israeli flag and told the activists, ‘Welcome to Israel, we are the landlords.’ In one video, after an activist shouted ‘Free Palestine,’ a security personnel pushed the individual to the ground.

The video depicted activists with hands tied, kneeling with heads down at a makeshift detention area at Ashdod port and on a ship’s deck. In another clip, Ben-Gvir described the activists as previously ‘full of pride,’ asking Netanyahu to allow him to detain them for an extended period.

Netanyahu defended the interruption of the flotilla but criticized Ben-Gvir’s actions in a statement, asserting that Israel has the right to prevent flotillas from entering its territorial waters but should do so in line with the nation’s values. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and Ambassador Yechiel Leiter also condemned Ben-Gvir, emphasizing the potential diplomatic damage and discord his actions might cause.

Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, commented that while the flotilla was an ill-conceived act, Ben-Gvir undermined his country’s dignity. Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot both labeled the actions in the video as ‘unacceptable.’ Each country summoned the Israeli ambassador, demanding respect and swift release of the activists.

An Israel-based legal group, Adalah, accused Israeli authorities of abusive treatment, reminiscent of previous flotilla missions without accountability. They demanded urgent international actions to protect the activists.

On Tuesday, Israeli forces intercepted the last flotilla boats attempting to challenge the blockade on Gaza. Flotilla organizers claimed Israeli soldiers fired upon the vessels, causing damage. However, Israel’s foreign ministry reported using only nonlethal measures. The flotilla, departing from Turkey, was labeled a ‘PR stunt’ by Israel, with limited aid intended for Gaza.