Israeli Minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir Under Investigation by Italian Prosecutors over Flotilla Abuse

Italian prosecutors in Rome have opened a criminal investigation into Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir after video footage showed him mocking activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla who were detained in international waters off Cyprus in May. The activists, kneeling with their hands tied behind their backs, were recorded at the Ashdod port where Ben‑Gvir posted the video on social media. The probe alleges torture, kidnapping and other war‑crimes against Italian citizens and other nationals among the roughly 430 detainees. Prosecutors have requested cooperation from Israeli authorities and are examining a chain of command that led to the seizures. Italy’s foreign minister Antonio Tajani condemned Ben‑Gvir’s remarks as “unacceptable” and urged the EU to consider sanctions; France has also opened a parallel war‑crimes inquiry and barred the minister from entry. Ben‑Gvir responded on X, calling Italy “the land of flip‑flops” and stating he is “not intimidated” and will continue to stand with Israel’s fighters. The investigation adds diplomatic tension between Rome and Tel Aviv and may influence broader EU measures against the minister.