Right-wing Israeli Minister's Post Mocking Flotilla Activists Sparks Condemnation
A video posted by Itamar Ben-Gvir on the platform X shows him standing in front of a number of activists who are kneeling with their hands tied behind their backs.
“This is how we welcome supporters of terrorism. Welcome to Israel,” Ben-Gvir says, while waving an Israeli flag from a military vessel that is detaining activists from the Gaza aid flotilla.
The activists taking part in the Freedom Flotilla voyage were intercepted by Israeli Navy personnel on Monday (18 May). The Israeli-based legal aid group Adalah said the activists were “detained at Ashdod port” and “brought to Israel without their consent.” Adalah’s lawyers arrived at the scene to provide legal consultation.
In a separate statement, the organisers of the Gaza aid flotilla also said the activists would be moved to Ketziot Prison in the Negev Desert, southern Israel. According to them, Adalah would be able to meet the detainees as soon as they arrive at Ketziot Prison.
Several heads of state criticised Ben-Gvir’s video on social media.
The Italian government said Israel’s treatment was unacceptable and that it would summon the Israeli ambassador to demand an explanation. “This cannot be tolerated. There are many Italian citizens there who are treated with a lack of dignity as human beings,” said Giorgia Meloni, Italy’s Prime Minister, in a statement.
Germany’s ambassador to Israel, Steffen Seibert, called Ben-Gvir’s actions “completely unacceptable and not in line with Germany’s core values.”
France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot has summoned the Israeli ambassador in Paris. “Ben-Gvir’s actions against the flotilla passengers are even criticised by his own colleagues in the Israeli government. This cannot be tolerated,” Barrot wrote on X.
Netherlands Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen will also summon the Israeli ambassador to discuss the treatment deemed “unacceptable” of Gaza flotilla activists detained.
Britain’s Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, said she was “shocked” by the video. “We have asked Israel for an explanation and emphasised their obligation to protect the rights of our citizens and all those involved,” Cooper said.
Turkey’s Foreign Ministry said Ben-Gvir had “once again openly shown the violent, barbaric mindset of the Netanyahu administration.”
Canada’s Foreign Minister Anita Anand said Ottawa would also summon the Israeli ambassador to convey its protests. “What we have seen, including the video posted by Ben-Gvir, is deeply troubling and completely unacceptable,” she told reporters.
The U.S. ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, also condemned Ben-Gvir’s actions, calling them “shameful” and saying he had “betrayed the dignity of his country.” Huckabee wrote on X.
EU Commissioner for Equality, Readiness, and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib likewise condemned the treatment of Gaza flotilla activists. She emphasised that, “no one should be punished for standing up for humanity.” “Watch this video. They are not convicted criminals. They are activists trying to bring bread to the hungry,” Lahbib posted on X.
Hamas also condemned the recording, calling it evidence of “moral decay” among Israel’s leaders. Hamas, which launched an assault on Israel on 7 October 2023, is designated a terrorist organisation by Israel, the United States, the United Kingdom, and several other countries.
Even within Israel, Ben-Gvir faced criticism from the government.
Although Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel has the right to stop the “provocative flotilla of Hamas supporters,” he added that the way Ben-Gvir treated the flotilla activists “does not align with the values and norms of Israel.”
“I have ordered the relevant authorities to deport the provocateurs immediately,” Netanyahu said.
Israel said 430 activists on the aid flotilla had been moved to an Israeli vessel and would be allowed to meet consular representatives after arriving in Israel.
When ships are intercepted by Israel, activists are usually deported after detention.
What about the fate of Indonesian nationals allegedly caught?
Five Indonesian citizens are believed to have been involved in the Freedom Flotilla mission. They are Bambang Noroyono, journalist from Republika; Thoudy Badai, journalist from Republika; Andre Prasetyo, journalist from Tempo; Rahendro Herubowo, journalist from iNews; and Andi Angga Prasadewa, activist from Rumah Zakat.
The Indonesian government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the Israeli military action and urged Israel to release all vessels and crew members detained. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs calls on the Israeli government to immediately release all humanitarian mission vessels and crew detained,” said Yvonne Mewengkang, spokesperson for the Indonesian MFA.
Yvonne also stated the government is engaging with various parties to obtain the latest information on the Indonesian nationals’ conditions, and is preparing contingency steps including facilitating protection and expediting repatriation if necessary. Protecting Indonesian citizens remains the government’s top priority in a fast-changing developing situation, she told Kompas.
This article first appeared in English
Adapted by: Joan Aurelia Rumengan
Also watch the video “Netanyahu Condemns Inhumane Treatment of His Ministers Toward Flotilla Activists”