Both Italy and France have now summoned their respective Israeli ambassador after footage surfaced of pro-Palestinian flotilla activists detained by Israel. At the center of the video, which has gone viral, is Israeli far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who decided to publish the video in which he is taunting activists kneeling on the ground, hands tied.
In the new footage posted by Ben-Gvir, he can be seen smiling and waving the Israeli flag. He also is heard saying, “Welcome to Israel, we are in charge here!” and “Am Yisrael Chai!” (The people of Israel live!).
ככה אנחנו מקבלים את תומכי הטרור
Welcome to Israel 🇮🇱 pic.twitter.com/7Hf8cAg7fC
— איתמר בן גביר (@itamarbengvir) May 20, 2026Some 87 activists were most recently intercepted on their vessel and detained in an operation the Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed earlier this week, calling the flotilla of aid being sent to Gaza “nothing more than a PR stunt.”
Israeli forces started intercepting vessels and detaining those aboard this past Monday just off the coast of Cyprus, according to Al Jazeera. Rubber bullets were also allegedly used against the unarmed activists. Reports indicate that at least 430 activists have been detained in Israel.
“Another PR flotilla has come to an end. All 430 activists have been transferred to Israeli vessels and are making their way to Israel, where they will be able to meet with their consular representatives,” a ministry spokesman said, calling the effort “nothing more than a PR stunt.”
At another point in the video posted by Ben-Gvir, he says: “Don’t be moved by their screams.” He also reportedly told guards while ordering them to keep detainees quiet. In the background, the Israeli national anthem is being blasted through a loudspeaker.
Reactions have come quickly, especially given the number of international citizens aboard this latest vessel. “The images of the Israeli minister Ben Gvir are unacceptable. It is inadmissible that these demonstrators, including many Italian citizens, are subjected to this treatment that violates human dignity,” Italian PM Giorgia Meloni wrote.
Le immagini del ministro israeliano Ben Gvir sono inaccettabili. È inammissibile che questi manifestanti, fra cui molti cittadini italiani, vengano sottoposti a questo trattamento lesivo della dignità della persona.
Il Governo italiano sta immediatamente compiendo, ai più alti…
— Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) May 20, 2026“The Italian Government is immediately taking, at the highest institutional levels, all necessary steps to secure the immediate release of the Italian citizens involved. Italy further demands an apology for the treatment reserved to these demonstrators and for the total contempt shown toward the explicit requests of the Italian Government.”
“For these reasons, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation will immediately summon the Israeli ambassador to request formal clarifications on what has occurred.”
The French foreign minister also took to X to express his outrage: “The actions of Mr. Ben Gvir toward the passengers of the Global Smud flotilla, denounced by his own colleagues in the Israeli government, are unacceptable. I have requested that the Israeli ambassador to France be summoned to express our indignation and obtain explanations. The safety of our compatriots is a constant priority,” Jean-Noël Barrot wrote.
Les agissements de M. Ben Gvir à l'égard des passagers de la flottille Global Smud, dénoncés par ses propres collègues au gouvernement israélien, sont inadmissibles. J'ai demandé que l'ambassadeur d'Israël en France soit convoqué pour exprimer notre indignation et obtenir des…
— Jean-Noël Barrot (@jnbarrot) May 20, 2026“Whatever one thinks of this flotilla—and we have indicated on several occasions our disapproval of this initiative—our compatriots who are participating in it must be treated with respect and released as quickly as possible. I salute the work of the teams from the Ministry, the Embassy, and the Consulate who, once again, are mobilizing to ensure their consular protection,” he added.
The South Korean president, Lee Jae Myung, called the move “way out of line,” asking what exactly Israel’s legal basis was for intercepting the vessels in the first place. He also accused Israel of having “abducted” South Korean citizens and is reportedly considering honoring the ICC arrest warrant against Netanyahu.
“South Korean citizens were also among those abducted by Israeli naval forces. What is the legal basis? Is it Israeli territorial waters?” Lee asked, according to Al Jazeera. “Is that Israeli land? If there is conflict, can they seize and detain third-country vessels?”
As to Ben Gvir, he has only doubled down, posting to X that Israel will not be a “pushover” and effectively saying that the flotilla activists are supporting terrorism and identify with Hamas.
“Anyone who comes to our territory to support terrorism and identify with Hamas will get slapped, and we won’t turn the other cheek,” he posted.
יש כאלה בממשלה שעדין לא הבינו איך צריך להתנהג עם תומכי טרור. מצופה משר החוץ של ישראל להבין כי ישראל הפסיקה להיות ילד כאפות. מי שמגיע לשטח שלנו לתמוך בטרור ולהזדהות עם חמאס יחטוף ולא ניתן לו את הלחי השניה https://t.co/DibanZph17
— איתמר בן גביר (@itamarbengvir) May 20, 2026The flotilla was attempting to break the Israeli naval blockade of the Gaza Strip. The group said they were trying to transfer humanitarian aid and construction materials to the more than 2 million residents still living there.
Gaza has been under continuous bombardment since the Oct. 7 Hamas terror attack on Israel. Since the start of the war, over 75,000 Palestinians have been killed and just over 2,000 Israelis. Israel’s naval blockade has left the enclave suffering from shortages of food, drinking water, and medical aid. Israel says it is necessary to put an end to Hamas’ terrorist activities.
Just yesterday, the United States imposed sanctions on four flotilla organizers they claim are operating “in support of Hamas.” The move came after Israel had abducted hundreds of activists.
