Netanyahu Criticizes Ben-Gvir's Conduct Towards Flotilla Activists

Political Fallout from Flotilla Incident

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has openly criticized National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir following the release of videos that depicted the far-right minister ridiculing pro-Palestinian activists detained by Israeli forces near Gaza. The footage, which Ben-Gvir shared, showed him interacting with the activists at a temporary detention site in Ashdod port and on one of the seized boats. While waving a large Israeli flag, he greeted the activists with the words: “Welcome to Israel, we are the landlords.”

In one clip, a handcuffed activist could be heard shouting “Free Palestine” before being forcibly subdued by security personnel. Other footage depicted activists kneeling with their hands bound and heads bowed.

In another video, Ben-Gvir mocked the activists, stating they arrived with pride but were now in a humiliating position. He urged Netanyahu to impose lengthy imprisonment on them.

Netanyahu defended Israel's actions against the flotilla but distanced himself from Ben-Gvir's behavior, asserting, “Israel has every right to prevent provocative flotillas of Hamas terrorist supporters from entering our territorial waters and reaching Gaza. However, the manner in which Minister Ben Gvir interacted with the flotilla activists does not reflect Israel’s values and norms.”

The incident sparked widespread backlash within Israel's political landscape. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar accused Ben-Gvir of harming Israel's international reputation, stating on social media, “You deliberately caused damage to the state in this disgraceful performance, and not for the first time. ... No you are not the face of Israel.”

Ben-Gvir responded, asserting that Israel is no longer a pushover and that anyone supporting terrorism in their territory would face consequences.

Israel's ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, criticized Ben-Gvir's actions as reckless and detrimental to Israeli diplomacy, stating, “Ben Gvir’s antics take a sledgehammer to our diplomatic efforts while Israel’s enemies gleefully jump on every unfortunate nonsense to discredit and demonize.”

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee echoed this sentiment, labeling the flotilla as a foolish stunt and claiming Ben-Gvir undermined the dignity of his nation.

International condemnation grew as European leaders summoned Israeli ambassadors regarding the incident. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the videos “unacceptable” and demanded an apology for the treatment of the demonstrators. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot also summoned the Israeli ambassador, insisting that the activists should be treated with respect and released promptly.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney described Ben-Gvir's actions as “unacceptable” and announced that Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs had directed officials to summon the Israeli ambassador to ensure the safety of Canadians involved. Canada has already imposed sanctions on Ben-Gvir, including asset freezes and a travel ban, due to his history of inciting violence. The protection of civilians and respect for human dignity must be upheld everywhere, at all times.

The flotilla, organized by the Sumud Global Flotilla coalition, aimed to challenge Israel’s long-standing blockade of Gaza and highlight the humanitarian situation in the region. Israeli forces intercepted the final vessels on Tuesday after previously stopping several boats approximately 167 miles from Gaza’s coast. Organizers accused Israeli forces of firing on some vessels during the interceptions, although Israel denied using live ammunition, stating that only “nonlethal means” were employed and labeling the flotilla as a “PR stunt at the service of Hamas.”

Meanwhile, the Israel-based legal organization Adalah accused Israeli authorities of implementing a “criminal policy of abuse and humiliation against activists” and called for the immediate release of the detainees.