Global Backlash Over Israeli Minister’s Taunting Videos

In Jerusalem, a significant international reaction followed Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s release of videos on Wednesday. The footage depicted him mocking detained activists from a flotilla attempting to breach the Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip.

One of the videos shows Ben-Gvir moving among approximately 430 detainees who arrived via navy ships. The activists are shown with hands tied behind their backs, kneeling with their heads down at Ashdod port and on a ship’s deck.

In the video, Ben-Gvir waves a large Israeli flag and addresses the detainees, saying, Welcome to Israel. We are the landlords, while a handcuffed activist protests by shouting Free Palestine. Security personnel immediately push the activist to the ground as Ben-Gvir passes by.

In another video, Ben-Gvir mocks the activists, claiming they arrived with pride but now look defeated. He also requests permission from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to imprison them.

Several countries, including Canada, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands, promptly summoned Israel’s ambassadors, seeking explanations for their citizens’ treatment. The Global Sumud Flotilla’s organizers noted that the flotilla, intercepted in international waters, included passengers from over 40 countries, including the Irish President’s sister.

Irish Foreign Minister Helen McEntee expressed being appalled by the video, calling for the immediate release of detainees. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticized the treatment of activists as violating human dignity. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung called Israel’s actions way out of line.

British Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper added on social media that Ben-Gvir’s conduct violates the most basic standards of respect, and affirmed support for detained British nationals. Greece’s Foreign Affairs Ministry labeled the incident unacceptable and entirely condemnable, while Turkey accused the Israeli government of acting with a violent and barbaric mindset.

Prime Minister Netanyahu, whose government coalition relies on Ben-Gvir’s far-right Jewish Power party, partially distanced himself from the event. While endorsing Israel’s right to deter provocative flotillas of Hamas terrorist supporters, he remarked that Ben-Gvir’s actions do not align with Israel’s values and norms. Netanyahu ordered the deportation of the activists as soon as possible, thus opposing Ben-Gvir’s suggestion to imprison them in Israel.