Israeli Prime Minister Rebukes National Security Minister Over Activist Treatment

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reprimanded National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir after videos surfaced showing Ben-Gvir’s interaction with flotilla activists. These activists, part of the pro-Palestinian Sumud Global Flotilla, were detained by Israeli forces. Videos posted by Ben-Gvir reveal him mocking the activists while they were under the custody of Israeli security personnel.

Ben-Gvir, a figure sanctioned by U.S. allies for his stance against Palestinians, appeared in the clips walking among approximately 430 detained activists. Waving a large Israeli flag, he taunted them, saying, “Welcome to Israel, we are the landlords.” One activist, who was handcuffed and shouted “Free Palestine,” was immediately pushed to the ground by security personnel as Ben-Gvir walked by. Activists were seen with their hands tied, kneeling with their heads down, either at the Ashdod port or on a ship’s deck.

In another video, Ben-Gvir remarked on the activists, “They came here all full of pride like big heroes. Look at them now,” and urged Netanyahu to allow their prolonged imprisonment. A vessel symbolizing one of the Gaza-bound flotilla boats, intercepted by the Israeli navy, was seen heading to Ashdod port on May 19, 2026.

Netanyahu justified intercepting the flotilla, stating Israel’s right to prevent Hamas supporter flotillas from entering its waters. However, he criticized Ben-Gvir’s behavior, claiming it did not align with Israeli values. Following the video release, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar criticized Ben-Gvir on social media, stating his actions tarnished the state’s image.

Ben-Gvir replied, asserting Israel would no longer be a pushover to those supporting terrorism. Israel’s ambassador to the U.S., Yechiel Leiter, condemned Ben-Gvir’s actions, expressing that they undermined Israel’s diplomatic efforts. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee commented, “The flotilla was a foolish act, but Ben Gvir betrayed his nation’s dignity.”

Italy responded to the situation, with Prime Minister Georgia Meloni denouncing the video as unacceptable and summoning the Israeli ambassador to Rome, demanding an apology. France also summoned the Israeli ambassador, insisting on respectful treatment and swift release for their compatriots participating in the flotilla.

The Israel-based Legal Center for Arab Minority Rights, known as Adalah, accused Israeli authorities of systematic abuse and humiliation of activists. They highlighted recurring ill-treatment across previous flotilla events, noting a lack of accountability. Adalah’s lawyers and volunteers are providing legal advocacy for the detained activists, pressing for their immediate release and calling for international intervention against what they labelled as illegal conduct by Israeli officials.

Despite flotilla organizers’ claims that Israeli soldiers fired at five boats causing damage, Israel’s foreign ministry stated that no live ammunition was used, only nonlethal warnings. The flotilla boats, which embarked from Turkey, were stopped approximately 167 miles from Gaza. Israel dismissed the flotilla as a “PR stunt” serving Hamas, arguing that the vessels carried merely symbolic aid for Gaza.