Top Israeli diplomat in UK summoned over ‘inflammatory’ video of detainees
On Thursday, the Israeli charge d’affaires Daniela Grudsky Ekstein was summoned to the FCDO
The UK has summoned Israel’s most senior diplomat in Britain over an “inflammatory” video of detainees posted by the country’s security minister.
Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir drew international condemnation for sharing footage taunting international activists who were held in Israel after taking part in an aid flotilla attempting to get past the nation’s blockade of Gaza.
On Thursday, the Israeli charge d’affaires Daniela Grudsky Ekstein was summoned to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, which said the move reflected the UK’s “strong condemnation of his conduct in taunting those involved in the Global Sumud Flotilla”.
“This behaviour violates the most basic standards of respect and dignity for people,” the department said.
Mrs Grudsky Ekstein is the most senior Israeli diplomat in the UK as there is currently no ambassador in place.
On Wednesday, at an Israel 78th Independence Day event in London she distanced herself from Ben-Gvir’s actions saying “The actions of one minister do not speak for the whole Israeli government.”
The Government has also expressed concern over the detention conditions depicted and has demanded an explanation from the Israeli authorities.
The Foreign Office is in touch with the families of a number of British activists detained in Israel and stands ready to provide consular support.
More than 400 people, including a number of British nationals and the sister of the president of Ireland Catherine Connolly, have been detained after the attempt organised by the Global Sumud Flotilla.
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