Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir sparked global outrage after posting videos in which he mocked detained activists from the Global Sumud flotilla, which was headed for Gaza.
Israeli forces intercepted the vessel in international waters on Wednesday, detaining some 430 activists from more than 40 countries. In the footage, Ben-Gvir is seen mocking the detainees, who are handcuffed and forced to kneel, waving an Israeli flag while saying, ‘Look at them now, they are no heroes at all.’
The controversial videos drew swift condemnation from several governments. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong called the footage ‘shocking and unacceptable,’ while the US ambassador to Israel described Ben-Gvir’s actions as ‘despicable.’ France, Canada, Spain, Italy, and other countries recalled their Israeli ambassadors in protest.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly distanced himself, stating that the minister's behavior ‘did not align with Israel's values.’ Despite the rebuke, Ben-Gvir and his ally Miri Regev used the videos to create campaign content aimed at their nationalist base. All the activists have been released and are being deported, primarily to Turkey.