South Korean president criticizes Israel for intercepting Gaza flotilla, says naval op 'way out of line'

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung criticized Israel on Wednesday over its interception of vessels linked to the Global Sumud Flotilla, calling the operation in international waters “way out of line” and questioning the legality of detaining South Korean activists aboard the ships.

The remarks, delivered during a cabinet meeting, marked one of the strongest public criticisms of Israel by a South Korean leader in recent years despite longstanding ties between the two countries.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday that 430 activists from several countries were detained, mostly without incident, after departing the Turkish port of Marmaris in multiple vessels attempting to breach Israel’s blockade of Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid.

The interceptions occurred in international waters near Cyprus.

Lee also referred to statements by several European governments indicating they would arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu under warrants issued by the International Criminal Court, saying South Korea “must make its own judgment” on the matter.

Israeli officials expressed surprise at the remarks, noting that South Korean law bars citizens from entering Gaza without government authorization. One activist aboard the flotilla, Kim Ah-Hyun, previously had her passport revoked after participating in earlier flotilla attempts. Another detainee, Kim Dong-Hyeon, also lacked authorization to enter Gaza.

Israel dismissed the flotilla as “nothing more than a PR stunt in the service of Hamas” and maintains that its blockade complies with international maritime law.

Relations between Israel and South Korea have generally remained strong since diplomatic ties were established in 1962, including close military, economic and technological cooperation and a free trade agreement signed in 2021.

Still, South Korea recognized a Palestinian state in 1988, while Israel recognizes Seoul as the sole legitimate government on the Korean Peninsula.

Pastor Young Hoon Lee of Yoido Full Gospel Church, the world’s largest megachurch, is among several prominent South Korean Evangelical leaders who have publicly supported Israel and organized solidarity campaigns in recent years.