National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir on Wednesday shared videos of him harassing detained flotilla activists in Ashdod after Israeli forces intercepted their ships on Tuesday.
In the video, he can be seen forcing the head down of a flotilla activist after she yelled, “Free, free Palestine,” to which he responds, “Shut up!” and continues walking.
In a separate clip, he is depicted as waving an Israeli flag while shouting out: “Welcome to Israel! We are the owners of the house.”
ככה אנחנו מקבלים את תומכי הטרור
Welcome to Israel 🇮🇱 pic.twitter.com/7Hf8cAg7fC
— איתמר בן גביר (@itamarbengvir) May 20, 2026
In another clip, he can be heard speaking over Israel’s national anthem, Hatikvah, as the flotilla activists kneel on the floor with their heads down. He also included several clips of the activists being perp walked with their hands zip-tied together.
In response to Ben-Gvir’s video, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar accused the far-right minister of damaging Israel’s reputation.
“You knowingly caused harm to our State in this disgraceful display – and not for the first time. You have undone tremendous, professional, and successful efforts made by so many people – from IDF soldiers to Foreign Ministry staff and many others. No, you are not the face of Israel.” Sa’ar wrote on X.
Later, several IDF officials told Israeli public broadcaster KAN News that Ben-Gvir “exploited his position to get attention.”
Italy summons Israeli ambassador over Ben-Gvir’s actions
Italy’s government said on Tuesday that Israel’s treatment of flotilla activists trying to take aid to Gaza was unacceptable and that it would summon the Israeli ambassador for an explanation.
A strongly worded statement by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Italy “demands an apology for the treatment” of the activists and the “total disrespect” for the Italian government’s requests.
“The images of Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir are unacceptable. It is inadmissible that these protesters, including many Italian citizens, are subjected to treatment that harms their personal dignity.
Meloni added that her government was “immediately taking, at the highest institutional levels, all necessary steps to secure the immediate release of the Italian citizens involved.”
This is a developing story.
