A major diplomatic row has broken out between Israel and a string of European countries after Israeli forces intercepted vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters and images emerged of detained activists from Europe being forced to kneel, bound, and apparently mistreated.
On May 19, the Israeli navy intercepted multiple boats from the flotilla carrying hundreds of activists , which was attempting to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid.
Israeli forces boarded the vessels, detained some 430 activists and transferred many to the port of Ashdod, in southern Israel.
Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir subsequently published footage on X in which he was shown mocking the detainees.
At one point he could be seen waving an Israeli flag while shouting in Hebrew: “Welcome to Israel! We are in charge here.”
Ben-Gvir also shared clips of flotilla activists being walked off the vessels with their hands zip-tied, being forced to kneel and bow their heads. The Israeli national anthem was played in the background as activists, blindfolded in some cases, remained on the deck of a military ship.
He taunted the detainees and suggested they should remain imprisoned for a long time, telling Israeli media: “They came here all full of pride like big heroes; look at them now.”
His posts were captioned “Welcome to Israel” and described the activists as “terror supporters”.
ככה אנחנו מקבלים את תומכי הטרור
Welcome to Israel 🇮🇱 pic.twitter.com/7Hf8cAg7fC
— איתמר בן גביר (@itamarbengvir) May 20, 2026
The flotilla had nationals from more than 40 countries, including Italy, France, Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Germany, Turkey, Poland, the United Kingdom and Canada.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was among the first European leaders to react. She called the treatment “unacceptable” and a violation of human dignity.
Italy summoned the Israeli ambassador and demanded the immediate release of all Italian citizens and an apology.
Other governments followed, with most saying the images were “deeply disturbing” and that it was unacceptable to treat their citizens this way.
British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said she was “truly appalled” by the video, adding that it “violates the most basic standards of respect and dignity in the way people should be treated”. The UK has also demanded an explanation from Israeli authorities.
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski said: “You may not treat Polish citizens who have committed no crime in this way. In the democratic world we do not abuse and gloat over people in custody. We demand justice for our citizens and consequences for you.”
France, Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium and Canada also issued sharp condemnations and summoned Israeli diplomats. Ireland’s Foreign Minister Helen McEntee said she was “appalled” and called for the “immediate release” of those detained.
Several countries have joined calls for an independent investigation.
There were calls to cancel the agreement between the EU and Israel by some, including by Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur and Israel critic.
Qatar condemned “the abuse of the Israeli Minister of National Security by the activists of the global steadfastness flotilla detained by the Israeli authorities,” and considered this “inhumane treatment that constitutes a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law.”
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 videos have also triggered significant embarrassment and division inside Israel.
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar publicly rebuked Ben-Gvir, stating he had “deliberately caused damage to the state” and that “you are not the face of Israel.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu distanced himself, saying Ben-Gvir’s actions were “not in line with Israel’s values and norms,” and ordered swift deportations to limit the damage.
Israel’s Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter noted that Ben-Gvir’s “reckless grandstanding is not representative of government policy.”
“Ben Gvir’s antics take a sledgehammer to our diplomatic efforts while Israel’s enemies gleefully jump on every unfortunate nonsense to discredit and demonise,” he added
The Israeli opposition put the onus on Netanyahu for empowering Ben-Gvir with a seat in his government.
Israel maintains the interception itself was lawful and necessary to prevent aid from potentially reaching Hamas.
Officials argue the flotilla was a political provocation rather than a genuine humanitarian mission.
The episode occurs against the backdrop of approaching Israeli legislative elections.
On May 20, the Israeli Knesset unanimously passed a bill to dissolve itself, triggering early elections.
The exact date has not been finalised yet, but it is expected to be brought forward from the original deadline of October 27, possibly to late August or early September 2026.
Ben-Gvir, leader of the far-right Otzma Yehudit party, is a key coalition partner in Netanyahu’s fragile government.
His hardline stance and provocative style are popular with his nationalist base, and analysts see the flotilla video as partly aimed at consolidating support ahead of the vote.
It is not the first time he made headlines with his behaviour. In the past he said he wanted to “cut of the heads” of terrorists.
Ben-Gvir also said on Gaza aid: “The only thing you should be sending to Gaza is shells… encourage emigration and win the war.”
On the rights of non-Jews he said, “My right, my wife’s, my children’s, to roam the roads of Judea and Samaria are more important than the right of movement of the Arabs.”
