Jerusalem, Israel. A foreign ministry condemned what it described as the “completely unacceptable” conduct of Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben Gvir toward activists detained after Israeli forces intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla in the eastern Mediterranean. The ministry called for immediate corrective measures and accountability.
Ministry statement and call for accountability
In a statement posted on X, the ministry said Ben Gvir’s actions were “incompatible with democratic norms and the fundamental values of human dignity,” adding that “such reprehensible behaviour can never be tolerated.”
The ministry said it welcomed statements by members of the Israeli government, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netenyahu, distancing themselves from the minister’s conduct.
It said accountability was required following footage circulated online showing detained activists kneeling on the ground with their hands restrained behind their backs while Ben Gvir walked among them carrying an Israeli flag.
Interception of the flotilla
Israeli police and naval commando unit Shayetet 13 intercepted the flotilla in international waters on Monday as the convoy attempted to sail toward Gaza carrying activists and humanitarian aid.
Organisers said the flotilla consisted of around 50 vessels carrying participants from dozens of countries, including European and Asian nationals.
Israeli authorities defended the interception as enforcement of the naval blockade on Gaza, which Israel says is necessary for security reasons.
Footage from Ashdod and Netanyahu’s rebuke
Video published by Ben Gvir on social media showed activists at Ashdod port after their detention.
In the footage, one activist is forced to the ground after chanting “Free, free Palestine,” while dozens of others are seen kneeling in rows under guard. Ben Gvir says in the recording, “they came as big heroes, look at them now.”
Netanyahu publicly rebuked Ben Gvir, stating that while Israel had “every right” to prevent what he called “provocative flotillas” from breaching its maritime blockade, “the way that Minister Ben Gvir dealt with the flotilla activists is not in line with Israel’s values and norms.”
What do you think should happen next regarding accountability for the conduct shown in the footage?
