Israeli Prime Minister Condemns Minister for Treatment of Flotilla Activists

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly criticized National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir following the release of a video showing Ben-Gvir’s conduct towards pro-Palestinian flotilla activists. The footage, posted by Ben-Gvir himself, depicts his mockery of the activists detained by Israeli security forces.

In the video, Ben-Gvir can be seen among approximately 430 activists from the Sumud Global Flotilla, who were detained by police and soldiers. Carrying a large Israeli flag, he addresses some of them, saying, “Welcome to Israel, we are the landlords.” The video also shows security personnel pushing a handcuffed activist who shouted “Free Palestine” to the ground as Ben-Gvir walked by.

Images from the video display activists with hands tied, kneeling at a detention site at Ashdod port and onboard a ship. In another part of the video, Ben-Gvir taunts the activists and requests Netanyahu to allow their prolonged imprisonment. A vessel marked with flotilla symbols was headed to Ashdod on May 19, 2026, intercepted by the Israeli navy.

Though Netanyahu defended intercepting the flotilla, he criticized Ben-Gvir’s approach. “Israel has every right to prevent provocative flotillas of Hamas supporters from reaching Gaza,” he said. “However, Ben-Gvir’s methods don’t reflect Israel’s values.”

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar also criticized Ben-Gvir, stating that his actions harmed the state. Ben-Gvir retorted, saying, “Israel no longer tolerates those who support terrorism.” Yechiel Leiter, Israel’s ambassador to the U.S., echoed this sentiment, stating Ben-Gvir’s demeanor damaged diplomatic efforts.

U.S. ambassador Mike Huckabee remarked that although the flotilla was a “stupid stunt,” Ben-Gvir’s actions undermined national dignity. Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni termed the video “unacceptable” and called on Israel’s ambassador to apologize. France’s foreign minister emphasized the need for respectful treatment of participants, urging their quick release.

The Israel-based legal group, the Legal Center for Arab Minority Rights, accused authorities of abusing activists, stating this pattern persisted from previous flotilla missions. They are offering legal aid and demanding the activists’ immediate release. The group urged the international community to intervene.

Regarding claims of violence, Israeli forces stated they boarded the final vessel of the flotilla, which aimed to challenge the Gaza blockade and highlight the humanitarian situation there. Organizers alleged live fire damaged boats, but Israel asserted only nonlethal means were used. The flotilla departed from Turkey last week, with Israel dismissing it as a “PR stunt” serving Hamas, alleging no real intent to deliver aid to Gaza.