‘Disgraceful’ Ben Gvir widely condemned in Israel over flotilla activist video
The far right Minister for Security in Netanyahu's coalition published a video today showing him gloating as detained activists from the latest 'Gaza flotilla' were incapacitated
Israel’s far right Minister for Security has been widely criticised within Israel after posting a video in which he sought to humiliate members of the latest Gaza flotilla, who were arrested and transported to Israel by the country’s navy earlier this week.
Itamar Ben Gvir, leader of the “Jewish Power” party and a coalition partner of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, posted a video on social media on Wednesday morning along with the caption in Hebrew: “this is how we greet the supporters of terrorism”. In English, he wrote: “Welcome to Israel”.
The video itself shows Ben Gvir strutting as police officers manhandle activists from the latest flotilla – which ostensibly sought to bring aid to Gaza, although the Strip is now widely acknowledged to have sufficient aid, and there was no evidence of significant supplies on board the boats in question. Ben Gvir is also shown in a large tent, in which scores of the activists are prostrate, with their hands tied behind their backs. The far right politician waves a large Israeli flag and says, in Hebrew “Welcome to Israel: we are the masters of the house [owners].”
In another scene from the video, dozens of the detainees are shown in a similar prostrate position, with their hands tied, surrounded by barbed wire and armed guards as the Israeli national anthem, hatikvah, plays.
The video from Ben Gvir, widely seen as attempt to fire up his base of far right supporters ahead of this year’s general election, was met with criticism. In a public statement, Netanyahu said: “Israel has every right to prevent provocative flotillas of Hamas terrorist supporters from entering our territorial waters and reaching Gaza. However, the way that Minister Ben Gvir dealt with the flotilla activists is not in line with Israel’s values and norms. I have instructed the relevant authorities to deport the provocateurs as soon as possible.”
Other politicians were far more forthright in their condemnation. Gideon Sa’ar, Israel’s Foreign Minister, said: “You knowingly caused harm to our State in this disgraceful display – and not for the first time. You have undone tremendous, professional, and successful efforts made by so many people – from IDF soldiers to Foreign Ministry staff and many others. No, you are not the face of Israel.”
Benny Gantz, former IDF Chief of Staff, as well as a former Minister of Defence, described Ben Gvir as “an embarrassing horror show of a failed, extremist and irresponsible minister, whose only interest is likes on TikTok, instead of caring for the national interest.
“In these elections we will do everything so that afterwards a broad, responsible Zionist unity government will arise here. One that will return the extremists to the margins and sanity to the lives of Israeli citizens.
Yair Golan, a former IDF General and the leader of Israel’s Democrats party, said: “Ben Gvir is a criminal and a strategic liability to the State of Israel. While Israel is fighting for its security and its standing in the world, Ben Gvir is producing another election video, another provocation, another embarrassment – and tearing Israel apart from within.
“This coalition knows its end is near. The pressure is mounting, the panic is growing, and the citizens of Israel are paying the price in security, in the economy, and in diplomatic isolation. Soon we will replace them. We will restore a democratic, liberal, and Zionist backbone to the next government.”
Other sounded an even grimmer note. Former IDF Spokesperson Ronen Manelis said: “No matter how much money our country invests in advocacy, and no matter how much work is done on the national advocacy apparatus. The most failed minister in Israel’s history will come and destroy everything.”
And Deborah Lipstadt, one of the world’s foremost authorities on antisemitism, said: “Ben Gvir is far more than an embarrassment. He is a gift to the antizionists, antisemites, and Jew haters. He is true threat to Israeli democracy and fundamental values.”
In the UK, the Jewish Leadership Council said: “This is a disgusting video posted by Minister Ben Gvir showing him manhandling a handcuffed detainee. The rule of law is vital in any democracy. This means robust actions to uphold security but also due process.
“Minister Sa’ar’s condemnation is welcome, however Ben Gvir’s continued use of racist rhetoric and his abuse of power are a stain on the Israeli government in which he continues to serve.”
The Board of Deputies said: “We share in the disgust and condemnation of the actions of Israeli minister Ben Gvir, including that expressed by Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and others in Israel.
“The mistreatment of these detainees is utterly inexcusable and inimical to our values. Ben Gvir’s actions time and again have trampled on the democratic principles on which Israel was founded. We call on all responsible authorities in Israel to ensure that the protection of Israeli security is conducted always in line with the rule of law.”
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “I am truly appalled at the video posted by Israeli Cabinet Minister Ben-Gvir taunting those involved in the Global Sumud Flotilla. This violates the most basic standards of respect and dignity in the way people should be treated.
“We are in touch with the families of a number of British nationals involved to provide them with consular support. We have demanded an explanation from the Israeli authorities and made clear their obligations to protect the rights of our citizens and all those involved.”
Georgia Meloni, Prime Minister of Italy, said: “The images from Israeli minister Ben Gvir are unacceptable. It is unacceptable that these demonstrators, including many Italian citizens, should be subjected to this treatment that violates human dignity. The Italian Government is immediately taking, at the highest institutional levels, all necessary steps to secure the immediate release of the Italian citizens involved.
“Italy further demands an apology for the treatment meted out to these demonstrators and for the total contempt shown towards the explicit requests of the Italian Government. For these reasons, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation will immediately summon the Israeli ambassador to seek formal clarifications on what has occurred.”
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