Netanyahu Scolds Israeli Security Minister Over Videos Taunting Detained Flotilla Activists

Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a rare public rebuke to his national security minister after videos of Itamar Ben-Gvir taunting detained flotilla activists sparked a major international diplomatic crisis and political backlash within Israel.

The controversy began after Israeli forces intercepted a Gaza-bound flotilla in international waters , detaining around 430 activists from more than 40 countries who were attempting to challenge Israel’s long-standing blockade of Gaza. The activists were taken to Ashdod port following the operation.

Shortly after, Ben-Gvir released videos showing detainees seated or kneeling with their hands tied behind their backs in temporary detention areas. In the footage, he is seen walking among them, waving an Israeli flag and making mocking remarks, including references to himself as the “landlord” and statements such as “Welcome to Israel.” The clips quickly circulated globally, drawing sharp condemnation.

Netanyahu stated that while Israel has the right to stop “provocative flotillas linked to Hamas supporters,” the conduct displayed in the videos was “not in line with Israel’s values and norms.” He ordered that the detainees be deported “as soon as possible.”

Foreign Minister Gideon Saar also criticized the footage, saying it had damaged Israel’s international standing and was unacceptable. Inside Israel, the incident deepened political divisions over Ben-Gvir’s actions.

Human rights group Adalah accused Israeli authorities of a pattern of abuse and humiliation against detainees and demanded immediate release and accountability, saying legal teams were assisting those held.

The incident triggered widespread global condemnation , with countries including the United Kingdom, Italy, Canada, Greece, Turkey, and Spain summoning Israeli ambassadors or demanding formal explanations. The European Commission called the treatment of activists “completely unacceptable” and urged compliance with international law.

Israel defended the operation as a security necessity, saying only non-lethal methods were used and denying allegations of live fire. Authorities maintain the flotilla carried symbolic aid and was linked to Hamas sympathisers.