Global outrage as well as sharp criticism in Israel over Ben Gvir’s ‘disgraceful’ treatment of Gaza flotilla activists

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee sharply criticized National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir on Wednesday, after the Israeli minister circulated videos of activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla to Gaza while they were bound on the floor at a detention facility in Ashdod.

During the day, the foreign ministers of Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, France, Canada, Portugal, and Belgium summoned Israeli ambassadors in their countries for clarification talks.

In his sharp criticism published on 𝕏, Huckabee wrote that the national security minister’s actions were “despicable” and that he had “betrayed the integrity of his nation.”

Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Brandtson said he spoke with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar following the incident. “The images shared by the extremist minister Ben Gvir, which showed the detained flotilla activists, are shocking and unacceptable.” Brandtson praised Netanyahu’s decision to condemn the incident.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni wrote, “Such documentation cannot be ignored, in which the basic dignity of the flotilla participants – including Italian citizens – was violated.”

Additional European officials condemned the incident. The British foreign secretary wrote that she was “truly shocked” by the video: “It mocks those who were involved in the global solidarity convoy. It violates the most basic standards of dignity and respect in the way people should be treated.”

Netanyahu criticized Ben Gvir, Sa’ar blasted: “You have harmed the state”

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar was the first in the government to slam Ben Gvir. “You knowingly caused damage to the state in this disgraceful display – and not for the first time,” Sa’ar wrote.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu joined the criticism, stating that “the way Minister Ben Gvir treated the flotilla activists is not consistent with the values and norms of the State of Israel.”

Sa’ar emphasized the potential damage caused by the video and Ben Gvir’s actions: “You have undone tremendous professional and successful efforts carried out by many – from IDF soldiers to Foreign Ministry staff and many others. No, you are not the face of Israel.”

Ben Gvir did not express regret over his actions. “There are those in the government who still have not understood how to behave toward supporters of terrorism,” he wrote. “Israel is no longer a punching bag. Anyone who comes into our territory to support terror and identify with Hamas will be dealt with – we will not turn the other cheek.”

Anger in the security establishment: “Israel is the one paying the price”

As part of the takeover of the flotilla, the Israeli Navy sent operational documenters who accompanied Shayetet 13 naval commandos and missile ships. They documented in real time the takeover of the flotilla of pro-Palestinian activists.

Sources familiar with the details told Kan News that the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit wanted to release the footage to show the world that IDF soldiers were not drawn into provocations and treated the activists respectfully.

Ultimately, the Foreign Ministry vetoed the release and carefully selected which materials to publish. Some IDF officials were disappointed with the decision but understood that the Foreign Ministry would handle messaging given the international significance of the event and its impact on Israel’s foreign relations.

The IDF was surprised by the footage released by Ben Gvir. The minister effectively acted in complete contradiction to the decisions of professional authorities and used his position to enter the secure detention compound – with the aim of provoking and gaining attention.

A security official told Kan News, “While the Foreign Ministry, the IDF, and security agencies acted quietly, calmly, and professionally to conclude the flotilla incident without escalation and without giving its organizers the victory image they sought – Minister Itamar Ben Gvir arrived, along with other Knesset members, and did exactly the opposite.”

“The flotilla organizers sought provocation, looked for confrontation, wanted international headlines and images that would portray Israel negatively,” the official explained. “The event itself ended, the forces completed their mission, the passengers were brought to Israel – and then, instead of allowing quiet, professional, diplomatic handling, domestic politics entered the picture.”

The official sharply criticized the minister’s conduct: “This harms diplomatic efforts, harms the work of the Foreign Ministry, harms the professionalism of the IDF and security forces, and most importantly damages Israel’s image in the world. In the end, the one paying the price is the State of Israel. Especially at a time when Israel is already facing intense international criticism. Every such move deepens the damage, provides material for campaigns against it, and weakens the public diplomacy and diplomatic efforts of those working day and night to reduce the harm.”

The video released by Ben Gvir also sparked outrage internationally. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced that Israel’s ambassador would be summoned for clarification following the minister’s provocation: “The images of Israeli Minister Ben Gvir are unacceptable,” she wrote. Italy “demands an apology for the treatment” of the activists.

On Wednesday, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung said that Israel had unlawfully abducted a citizen of his country in violation of international law. According to him, Israel’s actions were “way out of line” and “completely inappropriate.”

Written by KAN 11 correspondents Carmela Menashe, Dov Gil-Har and Itamar Margalit.