Far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has come under fire after posting a video showing him taunting pro-Palestinian activists who were detained during the Global Sumud Flotilla, intercepted by Israeli naval forces near Cyprus. His actions sparked swift condemnation from both Italy and France, prompting each nation to summon the Israeli ambassador for explanations.
In the video, Ben-Gvir is seen encouraging security personnel as they deal with the handcuffed activists at a detention facility in Ashdod. He was heard saying, Welcome to Israel. We are the masters, as he waved an Israeli flag next to the activists, who were kneeling with their hands bound. Ben-Gvir's conduct has earned him rare criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who emphasized that such behavior does not align with the values of Israel.
The flotilla, which intended to deliver aid to Gaza, was dismissed by Israeli authorities as a 'public relations stunt' supporting Hamas. Among those detained were representative activists from over 40 countries, including many citizens of Italy, spurring reaction from Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni who denounced the treatment as unacceptable. France's Foreign Minister echoed this sentiment, stating that the activists should be treated with respect.
This incident underscores a growing tension between Israel's hardline security measures and international humanitarian expectations amidst ongoing conflicts in the region. Rights groups like Adalah have criticized the actions as indicative of a broader policy of abuse towards activists, while Israel maintains that its naval blockade is a legal measure to prevent threats from reaching its borders.
