Ben-Gvir’s detention video draws condemnation globally and within Israel

Israel faced mounting international criticism after its far-right national security minister released a video showing detained Gaza flotilla activists kneeling with their hands bound following the interception of aid vessels in international waters, sparking international condemnation.

The video, shared on X a day ago by firebrand minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, was published after Israeli forces intercepted the flotilla’s vessels at sea and began detaining hundreds of foreign activists at the southern port of Ashdod.

The video drew swift international uproar, and Ben-Gvir was criticised by Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar.

Captioned “Welcome to Israel”, the footage shows dozens of activists forced to kneel with their hands tied and foreheads on the ground. At some points, the Israeli national anthem can be heard playing in the background.

The footage also shows Ben-Gvir heckling and waving an Israeli flag among the detained activists.

Read: Gaza flotilla activists to be deported after taunting by Israeli minister

Below are some national and international reactions to the footage posted on X by the minister on Wednesday:

European Union

European Council President Antonio Costa said he was “appalled” by Ben-Gvir’s treatment of aid flotilla members attempting to enter Gaza. “This behaviour is completely unacceptable. We call for their immediate release,” Costa said.

United Kingdom

Britain summoned Israel’s chargé d’affaires over the video, with its foreign ministry saying the content “violates the most basic standards of respect and dignity for people”. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said she was “truly appalled” by the video.

Italy

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said EU foreign ministers should discuss imposing sanctions on Ben-Gvir at their next meeting for “unacceptable acts”, including harassing and humiliating the activists.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Tajani demanded an apology for the activists’ treatment and what they called Israel’s “total disrespect” for Italy’s requests.

Spain

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said the images were unacceptable and said Spain “will not tolerate anyone mistreating our citizens”.

Sanchez added that his government would push for Spain’s ban on Ben-Gvir entering the country to be urgently extended across the EU.

France

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said he had summoned the Israeli ambassador after the video emerged, calling Ben-Gvir’s actions “unacceptable”.

Barrot said French citizens must be treated with respect and freed as soon as possible, while adding that he opposed the flotilla’s approach.

Israel

The backlash also prompted criticism within Israel. Netanyahu defended the interception of the flotilla but said Ben-Gvir’s treatment of the activists was “not in line with Israel’s values and norms”.

Saar criticised Ben-Gvir over the treatment of the activists, saying he had harmed Israel in a “disgraceful display” and undermined the work of Israeli soldiers and diplomats.

“No, you are not the face of Israel,” Saar said in a post on X.

United States

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee added his voice to the chorus of condemnation, taking direct aim at the national security minister.

“Universal outrage and condemnation from every high-ranking Israeli official … for despicable actions by Ben-Gvir,” he wrote on X, saying the minister had “betrayed the dignity of his nation”.

Huckabee acknowledged the flotilla itself was “a stupid stunt” but made clear that nothing about it justified Ben-Gvir’s conduct.

Iran

Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman condemned the video images, saying they recalled “the darkest echoes of history” and said Western silence over what he called occupation, apartheid and genocide risked normalising “lawlessness and atrocity”.

Poland

Poland’s Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said he had summoned the Israeli chargé d’affaires over the detention of the activists, demanding their immediate release and an apology. He also requested that the interior ministry ban Ben-Gvir from entering Poland, a spokesperson said.

Ireland

Irish Foreign Minister Helen McEntee said 14 Irish citizens who joined the flotilla WEre in buses on their way to Istanbul, from where they wOULD be deported. “We have raised in no uncertain terms the horror and dissatisfaction at the way in which our citizens have been treated,” McEntee told parliament.

Greece

Greece urged Israel to release its detained nationals. Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis said: “We call on the Israeli authorities to proceed with the rapid completion of all procedures and the immediate release of the Greek citizens.”

Canada

Canada said it would summon the Israeli ambassador in protest at the video, described by Foreign Minister Anita Anand as “deeply troubling and absolutely unacceptable”.

Prime Minister Mark Carney later described Israel’s treatment of the detained activists as “abominable” and “unacceptable”.

Netherlands

The Netherlands will summon Israel’s ambassador over what it called the “unacceptable” treatment of the activists.

Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen said the images were “shocking”, adding he had raised the matter with Israel’s foreign minister.