JERUSALEM — International criticism erupted on Wednesday after Israel’s far-right National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, released videos mocking activists detained from a flotilla attempting to breach the Israeli blockade of Gaza. The videos show Ben-Gvir interacting with some of the approximately 430 detainees, who were brought to shore by navy ships.
In one of the videos, detainees appear with their hands tied and heads lowered at what seems to be a temporary detention site at Ashdod port and on a ship’s deck. Ben-Gvir, carrying a large Israeli flag, declares, “Welcome to Israel. We are the landlords.” As Ben-Gvir passes by, one handcuffed activist shouting “Free Palestine” is quickly subdued by security personnel.
The second video features Ben-Gvir ridiculing the activists, saying they “came here all full of pride like big heroes; Look at them now,” and asking Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to allow their imprisonment.
Within hours of the video’s release, countries including Canada, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands summoned Israeli ambassadors demanding explanations regarding the treatment of their citizens.
The activists, as per the Global Sumud Flotilla, included individuals from over 40 nations, with a notable presence being the sister of Ireland’s President Catherine Connolly. Ireland’s Foreign Minister, Helen McEntee, expressed her dismay and called for the “immediate release” of the detained.
Italy’s Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, stated that the activists’ treatment “violates their human dignity,” while South Korea’s President, Lee Jae Myung, labeled Israel’s conduct as “way out of line.” Britain’s Foreign Minister, Yvette Cooper, condemned Ben-Gvir’s actions as breaching “basic standards of respect” and confirmed efforts to assist UK nationals involved.
Greece’s Foreign Ministry described the incident as “unacceptable and entirely condemnable,” and Turkey criticized Israel for a “violent and barbaric mindset.”
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, who relies on support from Ben-Gvir’s far-right Jewish Power party, distanced himself from the incident, stating that while Israel has the right to intercept “provocative flotillas of Hamas terrorist supporters,” Ben-Gvir’s behavior “does not align with Israel’s values and norms.” Netanyahu indicated plans to deport the activists swiftly, contradicting Ben-Gvir’s suggestion of imprisonment.