Recent events in Jerusalem have sparked controversy as Israel’s national security minister, known for his far-right stance, released videos provoking global outrage. These videos feature activists detained from a flotilla attempting to bypass the Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip.
The security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, appeared in the videos among approximately 430 detainees who arrived on navy ships. In one clip, detainees are shown with hands tied, kneeling in a makeshift detention area at Ashdod port and on a ship’s deck. Ben-Gvir, holding a large Israeli flag, addresses the detainees, stating, “Welcome to Israel. We are the landlords.” A handcuffed activist is seen yelling “Free Palestine” and is then pushed to the ground by security personnel.
“Welcome to Israel. We are the landlords.” – Itamar Ben-Gvir
In another video, Ben-Gvir mocks the activists, claiming they approached “full of pride like big heroes.” He urges Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to permit him to imprison them. As these videos circulated, several countries, including Canada, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands, summoned Israel’s ambassadors to demand explanations for the treatment of their citizens.
The flotilla, called the Global Sumud Flotilla, included activists from over 40 countries, including the sister of Irish President Catherine Connolly. Irish Foreign Minister Helen McEntee expressed outrage and called for the “immediate release” of the detainees.
International reactions have been critical. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the treatment of the activists, calling it a violation of human dignity. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung described Israel’s actions as excessive, and British Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper criticized Ben-Gvir’s conduct for breaching basic standards of respect.
Greece’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs labeled the incident unacceptable, while Turkey accused Israel of a “violent and barbaric mindset.” Amid these reactions, Netanyahu, reliant on support from Ben-Gvir’s far-right Jewish Power party, partially distanced himself from the incident.
While affirming Israel’s right to stop “provocative flotillas,” Netanyahu stated Ben-Gvir’s actions were inconsistent with Israel’s values. He instructed that the activists be deported quickly, countering Ben-Gvir’s suggestion of imprisonment.
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