Israeli Minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir Draws Global Condemnation Over Flotilla Detainee Abuse

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir was captured on video gloating as foreign activists detained after Israel intercepted a humanitarian flotilla in international waters. At least 15 of the detainees reported sexual assault while bound and forced to kneel.

The footage sparked a wave of diplomatic backlash. France barred Ben‑Gvir from entry, and more than a dozen countries—including Italy, Canada, Spain, Ireland, Germany and South Korea—summoned Israeli ambassadors or issued formal condemnations. U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee called the minister’s conduct a betrayal of national dignity.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog publicly condemned the treatment as “brutishness” threatening all, and warned that abuse of prisoners must be forbidden. Ben‑Gvir responded on social media by demanding Herzog’s removal.