Netanyahu comments on flotilla activists kneeling with hands bound in Israel

According to AFP, on Thursday (21 May 2026), Netanyahu criticised the steps taken by Ben Gvir against the activists. He said the actions did not align with Israeli values or norms. ‘The way Minister Ben Gvir is handling the flotilla activists does not accord with the values and norms of Israel,’ Netanyahu said in a statement. Netanyahu said his authorities would soon deport the activists from various countries. ‘I have instructed the relevant authorities to deport the provocateurs (activists) as soon as possible,’ Netanyahu said. Earlier, Ben Gvir posted a video of himself mistreating the Global Sumud Flotilla activists who are now detained in Israel. The activists are seen kneeling with their foreheads to the floor and their hands bound. According to Al Jazeera, on Wednesday (20 May), Ben Gvir’s post was captioned ‘Welcome to Israel’. The Israeli national anthem was played as the activists were treated inhumanely. One activist is seen holding a passport in his hand. Global anger erupted after Ben Gvir’s video. Several countries are said to have summoned Israel’s ambassadors to their capitals in response to Ben Gvir’s behaviour. Some countries, including Italy, France, the Netherlands, and Canada, have summoned Israel’s ambassador to their capitals to express their anger at Israel’s treatment of the Gaza flotilla activists seized in international waters.