Italy Summons Israeli Ambassador Over Ben-Gvir Video

Italy said Wednesday it would summon Israel’s ambassador after National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir released a video showing him taunting detained Gaza flotilla activists at Ashdod Port.

The video shows dozens of international activists kneeling on the ground, apparently with their hands tied, after the Israeli Navy intercepted the latest Gaza-bound flotilla that departed Turkey last week.

In the clip, one activist shouts “Free Palestine” before being pushed to the ground and dragged away by officers as Ben Gvir tours the facility. Ben Gvir is then seen waving an Israeli flag and shouting in Hebrew, “Welcome to Israel, we are the masters.”

Other footage shows activists standing on the deck of a ship while Israel’s national anthem plays over a loudspeaker. Another section shows Ben Gvir arguing with a man and approving the way another detainee is being restrained.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani issued a joint statement calling the footage unacceptable and demanding an apology.

“The images of Israeli Minister Ben Gvir are unacceptable,” the statement said. “It is unacceptable that these protesters, including many Italian citizens, are subjected to this treatment that violates their human dignity.”

Italy said the treatment of the activists also showed “total disrespect” for requests made by the Italian government.

The sister of Irish President Catherine Connolly was among more than 400 activists aboard the flotilla, which organizers said was intended to break Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid.

Israel said Tuesday that the latest flotilla effort had “come to an end” and that the activists were being brought to Israel. Israeli officials have dismissed the mission as a public-relations operation serving Hamas.

The diplomatic fallout adds to international scrutiny over Israel’s handling of Gaza-bound flotillas, coming days after the Haifa District Court ordered 11 vessels seized during a previous Sumud flotilla in October 2025 transferred to state ownership.