Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly criticized National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir this week after the release of a controversial video showing the detention of flotilla activists, sparking domestic and international backlash.
The video, which was shared by Gvir himself, circulated widely on social media, showed activists being arrested by Israeli forces. In the footage, Ben-Gvir is seen confronting the detained individuals, threatening them and taunting them with remarks that they “should have been arrested long back.” The tone and content of the exchange drew immediate criticism from opposition lawmakers, human rights groups, and foreign observers.
Responding to the incident, Netanyahu issued a statement distancing the government’s official stance from Ben-Gvir’s conduct. “Although Israel has every right to stop provocative flotillas of Hamas terrorist supporters from reaching our shores, the way National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir dealt with the activists was not in line with Israel’s values and norms,” Netanyahu said.
The prime minister reaffirmed Israel’s security policy regarding naval vessels attempting to breach the maritime blockade of Gaza. “Israel has the right to stop any vessel coming to Israel that poses a security threat,” Netanyahu stated. “But this is not the way Israel deals with people.”
Following the incident, Canada, France, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands summoned Israeli envoys to condemn it.
The flotilla in question was intercepted by the Israeli Navy before it could reach Gaza. Israeli officials have described the activists as supporters of Hamas, which Israel, the United States, and the European Union designate as a terrorist organization. Organizers of the flotilla have previously stated their aim is to deliver humanitarian aid and to challenge the naval blockade imposed on Gaza since 2007.
Ben-Gvir, who oversees the police and has been a polarizing figure in Israeli politics, has not issued an apology. Members of his Otzma Yehudit party defended his remarks, arguing that a hardline approach is necessary when dealing with what they call “provocateurs seeking to delegitimize Israel.” A spokesperson for the minister said Ben-Gvir was expressing “the frustration of many Israelis” toward activists who “align with terrorist organizations.”
Opposition leader Yair Lapid called Ben-Gvir’s behavior “a diplomatic embarrassment” and said it undermines Israel’s case internationally. “You can enforce the law without taunting detainees on camera,” Lapid said in a post. “This harms our standing and plays into the hands of our critics.”
International reaction has also been critical. Several European foreign ministries requested clarification from Israeli ambassadors, citing concerns over the treatment of detainees. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International Israel, said the video raises questions about adherence to standards for detainee treatment, regardless of the political context of the arrests.
Legal experts in Israel note that while the interception of vessels is permitted under Israeli security policy and international maritime law in cases of declared blockades, detained individuals are entitled to due process and humane treatment under Israeli law. The Attorney General’s Office has not indicated whether it will review the incident.
This is not the first time Netanyahu has publicly rebuked Ben-Gvir. The two have clashed over police conduct, judicial reforms, and statements related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. However, direct criticism from the prime minister over a specific operational incident is less common and signals growing concern within the government about international perception.
The episode comes as Israel continues to face complex security and diplomatic challenges related to Gaza, including ongoing hostage negotiations and international legal proceedings. Government officials are wary that viral incidents can overshadow Israel’s stated security rationale for the naval blockade.
As of now, the detained activists remain in custody pending legal proceedings. The Prime Minister’s Office said Israel will continue to “act decisively to protect its borders” while also “upholding the ethical standards expected of a democratic state.”
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