Netanyahu Criticizes Minister for Treatment of Flotilla Activists

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly criticized his national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, after videos surfaced showing Ben-Gvir’s interaction with pro-Palestinian flotilla activists. In the videos, Ben-Gvir appears to mock the activists while they are detained by Israeli security forces.

Ben-Gvir, a far-right government minister, shared a video in which he walks among the approximately 430 detained activists from the Sumud Global Flotilla. Waving a large Israeli flag, he tells some of the activists, “Welcome to Israel, we are the landlords.” The footage also shows a handcuffed activist shouting “Free Palestine,” who is then pushed to the ground by security personnel.

The activists are seen handcuffed, with their heads against the floor, in a makeshift detention area at Ashdod port and on a ship’s deck. In another clip, Ben-Gvir taunts the activists and asks Netanyahu to permit their long-term imprisonment.

On May 19, 2026, a boat displaying the flotilla’s symbols was intercepted by the Israeli navy on its way to the Israeli port of Ashdod. Netanyahu supported the interception of the flotilla but condemned Ben-Gvir’s behavior, stating it did not reflect Israel’s values and norms.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar also rebuked Ben-Gvir, accusing him of damaging the state’s image. Ben-Gvir, in response, defended his actions, stating that Israel will not tolerate terrorism supporters.

Ben-Gvir’s reckless actions harm diplomatic efforts and damage Israel’s reputation, said Yechiel Leiter, Israel’s ambassador to the U.S.

U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, called the flotilla a “stupid stunt” but criticized Ben-Gvir for betraying national dignity.

Italy’s Prime Minister Georgia Meloni labeled the video as “unacceptable” and summoned the Israeli ambassador in Rome to demand an apology for the demonstrators’ treatment. France’s Foreign Minister, Jean-Noel Barrot, also summoned the Israeli ambassador, emphasizing the need to respect and promptly release the activists.

The Legal Center for Arab Minority Rights in Israel, known as Adalah, accused Israeli authorities of abusing and humiliating activists, continuing a pattern of misconduct. They called for international intervention to protect flotilla members.

Denying Live Ammunition Use

On Tuesday, Israeli forces boarded the final boats of the flotilla challenging Israel’s blockade of Gaza. Organizers claimed Israeli soldiers fired at the boats, causing some damage. Israel’s Foreign Ministry stated no live ammunition was used, and nonlethal measures aimed to warn the vessels without harm.

The flotilla began 167 miles from Gaza and departed from Turkey last week. Israel described the flotilla as serving Hamas’s interests rather than providing aid, asserting that the boats carried minimal supplies.