National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir arrived at the facility holding activists from the Gaza-bound flotilla, berated them in front of cameras and distributed the footage himself, as international criticism of Israel continues to mount over the war in Gaza.
In footage released by Ben-Gvir’s office, the minister is seen standing before handcuffed activists, their faces turned toward the floor, while waving an Israeli flag.
Ben-Gvir films himself berating Gaza flotilla activists after Israel seizes vessels
“The summer camp is over,” Ben-Gvir said. “Anyone who acts against the State of Israel will find a determined state. Am Yisrael Chai.”
One of the activists shouted “Free Palestine” toward him and was pinned to the floor by Israel Prison Service officers.
Alongside images of the activists, Ben-Gvir’s office said the footage was from the minister’s tour with prison officers, police and IDF forces at Ashdod Port during the capture of the flotilla activists.
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar blamed Ben-Gvir, writing on his X account: “You knowingly caused damage to the country with this disgraceful spectacle, and not for the first time. You squandered enormous, professional and successful efforts made by many people — from IDF soldiers to Foreign Ministry staff and many other good people. No, you are not the face of Israel.”
Transportation Minister Miri Regev also arrived at Ashdod Port, posted a video on X and wrote: “This is what should be done to terror supporters who came to break the blockade on Gaza.”
Italy condemned the treatment of the flotilla activists, with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani calling it unacceptable. Rome said it expects an apology from Israel and will summon the Israeli ambassador to demand formal explanations.
The IDF completed its takeover of the anti-Israel flotilla that left the Turkish port of Marmaris, allegedly en route to the Gaza Strip with humanitarian aid. The Foreign Ministry said 430 activists were brought to Israel.
In its statement after the takeover, the Foreign Ministry said: “The flotilla once again proved it is nothing more than a PR stunt in the service of Hamas. Israel will continue to act in accordance with international law and will not allow any breach of the legal naval blockade on Gaza.”
Shayetet 13 and Shayetet 3 forces took control of the vessels in the Cyprus area, far from Israel’s territorial waters. The forces first boarded the lead and largest boats in an attempt to cause the rest to turn back, but ultimately completed the takeover.
After seizing the vessels, the soldiers transferred the activists to a “floating prison,” from where they were taken to Ashdod Port for detention and questioning. Israel is expected to decide which activists will be detained and which will be deported.
During the operation, soldiers fired rubber bullets in several cases to deter vessels that failed to obey instructions and did not stop, but according to the IDF, there were no injuries or unusual incidents.
The Foreign Ministry also denied claims in Turkey that the Navy had opened live fire on the flotilla. The ministry said that “at no stage was live ammunition fired. After repeated warnings, non-lethal means were used against the vessels and not against protesters as a warning. No protesters were harmed during the incident.”
First published: 14:00, 05.20.26