Israel’s far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, drew widespread criticism over a video he posted on social media, which showed the intimidating treatment meted out by Israeli forces to detainees onboard a Gaza-bound flotilla, while the minister was seen encouraging the forces.
The footage, uploaded by Ben-Gvir with the caption “Welcome to Israel”, depicted dozens of male and female activists kneeling in rows with their foreheads pressed to the ground and their hands bound behind their backs with zip ties, while the minister waved an Israeli flag, mocked the detainees and shouted nationalist slogans at close range.
The scenes, described by critics as degrading and sadistic, provoked outrage from governments whose citizens had participated in the aid flotilla attempting to breach Israel’s blockade on Gaza.
Rights organisation Adalah alleged that detainees had endured systemic abuse, including physical assaults, humiliation, stress positions and prolonged kneeling, while several women reportedly had their hijabs forcibly removed.
Lawyers representing the activists stated that three detainees required hospitalisation following Israeli violence, whereas many others suffered suspected broken ribs and breathing difficulties.
The diplomatic fallout intensified after Mike Huckabee, one of Israel’s staunchest allies in Washington, denounced Ben-Gvir’s conduct as “despicable”, asserting that the minister had “betrayed the dignity of his nation”. Leaders and ministers from countries including the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Australia and New Zealand similarly condemned the footage as inhumane and degrading.
Amid mounting international fury, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly distanced himself from Ben-Gvir, declaring that the treatment of the flotilla activists was inconsistent with Israel’s “values and norms”, while ordering the immediate deportation of those detained after Israeli forces intercepted the aid convoy in international waters.