It is not difficult to find hostile actors across international media, anti-Israel activists, and foreign governments eager to exacerbate the reputational damage Israel has suffered since October 7, 2023, and the subsequent wars that ensued, using it as a tool to further isolate Israel, regardless of its actions.
But too often, one minister in the Israeli government goes out of his way to make their job painfully easy.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s conduct surrounding the interception of the Gaza-bound flotilla this past week perfectly encapsulated the decision-making process that has plagued his tenure: He once again chose to neglect his responsibilities as a member of the cabinet by appeasing his far-right base with social media clips, handing Israel’s critics exactly the images, rhetoric, and symbolism they wanted.
In videos shared by Ben-Gvir himself and by Israeli journalists, the minister is seen taunting detained flotilla activists while condoning and encouraging the harsh treatment displayed by some officers in the footage.
One video posted by the minister shows officers forcing an activist to the ground after she chants “free, free Palestine.”
Another clip shows Ben-Gvir threatening the activists in Hebrew as they kneel on the floor with their hands zip-tied behind their backs. In another, he waves Israeli flags while declaring, “Look at them now. See how they look now, not heroes and not anything… Welcome to Israel! We own this place.”
Flotilla was always a provocation, Ben-Gvir gave them what they wanted
The flotilla itself was always designed as a provocation. Its organizers sought confrontation and publicity, hoping to produce images that would fuel accusations against Israel and reignite international outrage over the war in Gaza.
Then came Ben-Gvir, giving them precisely what they wanted.
The footage spread rapidly across international media and social networks, and the diplomatic backlash was immediate.
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said Ben-Gvir had “betrayed the dignity” of Israel. Israeli envoys were summoned for clarification in Italy, France, Canada, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, among others.
On Saturday, France joined Italy in banning Ben-Gvir from entering the country, with Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot urging the rest of the European Union to follow suit.
The national security minister’s actions proved a step too far even for Ben-Gvir’s fellow cabinet members.
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar issued a stark condemnation of Ben-Gvir’s conduct, accusing him of knowingly harming Israel through a “disgraceful display – and not for the first time.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also rebuked Ben-Gvir in statements released in both Hebrew and English, itself a rarity, saying the minister’s actions were “not in line with Israel’s values and norms.”
Yet, Netanyahu has thus far avoided calls to dismiss the national security minister, despite years of mounting controversies and repeated incidents that have damaged Israel diplomatically and internally.
With political considerations mounting, it is not difficult to understand why. Netanyahu is determined to prolong his coalition’s survival for as long as possible, and Ben-Gvir remains politically useful.
Additionally, the prime minister will almost certainly need Otzma Yehudit’s support if Likud hopes to form another coalition after the next election.
Ben-Gvir’s outrageous behavior in the flotilla incident serves as a, hopefully final, reminder that during his tenure, he has behaved exactly as his critics warned he would when he first entered government.
For nearly four years as national security minister, aside from a brief interruption last year, Ben-Gvir has repeatedly undermined Israel’s standing abroad while inflaming tensions at home.
His conduct has consistently turned sensitive security and diplomatic situations into opportunities for political theater.
His rhetoric and policies have also made it easier for those seeking to vilify Israel, portraying him as the face of the country and its people.
Since October 7, Israel has been fighting not only a military war, but also a political and diplomatic one. A government minister who repeatedly sabotages that effort is both a political inconvenience and a liability.
If Netanyahu truly wants Israelis to believe that his decisions are guided solely by what is best for the State of Israel, then Ben-Gvir cannot remain in power for even one more day.
