Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir is facing severe diplomatic backlash after sharing footage of detained Global Sumud Flotilla activists being forced to kneel in humiliating conditions.
Detention of the Global Sumud Flotilla
The Israeli Navy recently intercepted over 40 vessels from the Global Sumud Flotilla, which were attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. The detained activists, who include citizens of Italy, Poland, and various other nations, were transported to the port of Ashdod.
Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s far-right Minister of National Security, posted a video on social media showing the detainees with their hands bound, kneeling with their heads toward the floor. One woman is seen being pulled by her hair, while Ben-Gvir addresses the group, stating, “Welcome to Israel. We are the masters of the house.”
Diplomatic Condemnation
The footage drew immediate international condemnation, starting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who called the treatment a violation of human dignity. Foreign ministries across Europe, including those of France, Spain, and Poland, have demanded explanations and called for the immediate release of their citizens. Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski explicitly condemned the treatment, stating, “We demand justice for our citizens and consequences for you.”
In Madrid, Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares described the incident as monstrous and humiliating, confirming he had summoned Israel’s chargé d’affaires. Similar protests were lodged by officials in Austria, the Netherlands, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
Internal Israeli Divisions
The actions of the National Security Minister have also caused friction within the Israeli government. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar publicly criticized Ben-Gvir, accusing him of harming the state and wasting the professional efforts of Israeli soldiers and diplomats, stating, “You are not the face of Israel.”
In response, Ben-Gvir defended his actions, maintaining that the activists were supporters of terrorism. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu distanced himself from the visual presentation, asserting that while the treatment did not reflect Israeli values, the state remains entitled to block provocateurs from reaching its territorial waters.
Humanitarian Mission Blocked
The Global Sumud Flotilla departed from Turkey last week with the stated goal of breaking Israel’s blockade of the Gaza Strip to establish a humanitarian corridor. According to organizers, Israeli forces intercepted 50 vessels in the Mediterranean Sea and detained 428 individuals.
