Israeli security minister stirs diplomatic outrage with flotilla activist abuse video
Far-right figure Itamar Ben-Gvir shares footage of himself taunting bound international detainees
TL;DR
- Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir published a video showing Israeli forces abusing international activists detained while trying to sail to Gaza.
- The activists reported systemic violations of due process and widespread physical and psychological abuse, including broken ribs and suspected sexual harassment.
- The video prompted strong condemnations from numerous countries, including the UK, Canada, Germany, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, and the US, with leaders calling the treatment 'despicable' and 'inhumane.'
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned Ben-Gvir's actions, stating they were not in line with Israeli values, and ordered the activists' deportation.
- The incident occurred as more than 400 activists from 40 countries participated in a flotilla attempting to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza.
- The controversy comes as the ICC prosecutor reportedly seeks arrest warrants for Ben-Gvir and other Israeli officials for alleged war crimes.