Videos showing Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir taunting detained Gaza flotilla activists sparked widespread international criticism and drew a rare public rebuke from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to CNN.
The videos, released by Ben Gvir’s office, showed activists detained after Israeli forces intercepted boats attempting to deliver aid to Gaza. Some detainees appeared restrained on the ground while Ben Gvir mocked them and called them “terror supporters.”
Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir released a video showing detained participants of the intercepted Gaza-bound flotilla being bound and dragged in Israel's Ashdod Port, writing, "That's how we welcome the terror supporters. Welcome to Israel."
— Haaretz.com (@haaretzcom) May 20, 2026
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Israel’s foreign ministry later confirmed that all foreign activists had been deported, defending the country’s naval blockade on Gaza as lawful.
The report said leaders from Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom, Canada and several other countries condemned the footage and treatment of the activists. Spain reportedly called for European Union sanctions against Ben Gvir.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar described the incident as a “disgraceful display,” while Netanyahu said Ben Gvir’s conduct did not reflect Israel’s values. U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee also criticiz0ed the minister’s actions publicly.
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TIPP Staff
TIPP Staff
