Jerusalem, 20 May 2026
Israeli leaders have condemned Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's conduct toward activists from a Gaza-bound aid flotilla, as international criticism grows over videos showing him taunting detainees.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on social media that Ben-Gvir's treatment of the activists was 'not in line with the values and norms of the State of Israel,' though he maintained Israel's right to intercept ships suspected of supporting Hamas.
Foreign Minister Gideon Saar explicitly rejected Ben-Gvir's actions, stating 'No, you are not the face of Israel' in a public rebuke of his cabinet colleague.
The controversy stems from videos showing Ben-Gvir waving an Israeli flag among kneeling, restrained activists in the port city of Ashdod, where he was heard saying 'Welcome to Israel, we are the masters of the house.'
Opposition leader Yair Lapid went further, calling Ben-Gvir's behavior a 'terror attack' and blaming Netanyahu for bringing 'a convicted criminal' into government.
What's new since 21 May
What's new since 21 May
Recent polls show Ben-Gvir's party support holding steady at 8-9%, despite the controversy. The minister's political history has come under renewed scrutiny, including his founding of the far-right Otzma Yehudit party in 2012 after earlier involvement with banned extremist groups.
European reactions have intensified, with France, Spain, Poland and the Netherlands summoning Israeli ambassadors. EU officials demanded 'protection and dignified treatment' for detained activists, several of whom are EU citizens.
The German ambassador to Israel called the minister's conduct 'completely unacceptable and incompatible with the fundamental values of our countries,' while British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said she was 'deeply appalled' by the videos.
An unnamed Israeli military official criticized Ben-Gvir's actions as a 'strategic attack' that undermined the navy's professional interception of the 50-ship flotilla in international waters near Crete.
International Response
International Response
Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares described seeing 'a monstrous, inhuman and undignified video' showing Spanish citizens being mistreated. Austria confirmed three of its nationals were among those detained.
The U.S. ambassador to Israel, typically a strong ally, called Ben-Gvir's behavior 'despicable' - an unusually sharp criticism from American officials.
Background on the Flotilla
Background on the Flotilla
The 'Global Sumud Flotilla' carried about 430 activists attempting to break Israel's naval blockade of Gaza, which Egypt also enforces. Organizers said they were bringing humanitarian aid to the territory, where conditions remain dire.
Israeli authorities maintain the flotilla was a propaganda exercise, with one military source calling it a 'stupid action' though criticizing Ben-Gvir for 'betraying his nation's dignity.'
Ben-Gvir's Controversial History
The incident recalls the deadly 2010 confrontation with a similar flotilla, though this interception occurred without violence about 250 nautical miles from Gaza.
Ben-Gvir's Controversial History
The security minister has a long record of inflammatory statements and legal troubles. He was convicted in 2007 of incitement to racism and supporting a terrorist organization.
Ben-Gvir once represented far-right activist Bentzi Gopstein, convicted of the 2015 Duma arson attack that killed a Palestinian toddler and parents.
His political rise began in earnest after 2021 elections, when his party entered parliament as part of Netanyahu's governing coalition.