Ben-Gvir's detention video of Gaza flotilla activists 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.
ככה אנחנו מקבלים את תומכי הטרור
Welcome to Israel 🇮🇱 pic.twitter.com/7Hf8cAg7fCRead: 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.
Appalled by the treatment of flotilla members by Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir. This behaviour is completely unacceptable. We call for their immediate release.
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.
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…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.
A nome del Governo italiano ho appena formalmente chiesto all’Alto Rappresentante @kajakallas di includere nella prossima discussione dei Ministri degli Esteri UE l’adozione di sanzioni contro il Ministro per la sicurezza nazionale israeliano Ben-Gvir per gli inaccettabili atti…
— Antonio Tajani (@Antonio_Tajani) May 21, 2026Quanto emerge dal video del Ministro Ben Gvir è assolutamente inaccettabile e contro ogni elementare tutela della dignità umana.
D’intesa con il Presidente del Consiglio ho fatto convocare immediatamente alla Farnesina l’Ambasciatore d’Israele in Italia.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.
Las imágenes del ministro israelí Ben Gvir humillando a los miembros de la flotilla internacional en apoyo a Gaza son inaceptables.
No vamos a tolerar que nadie maltrate a nuestros ciudadanos. En septiembre anuncié la prohibición de acceso al territorio nacional de este miembro…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.
Les agissements de M. Ben Gvir à l'égard des passagers de la flottille Global Smud, dénoncés par ses propres collègues au gouvernement israélien, sont inadmissibles. J'ai demandé que l'ambassadeur d'Israël en France soit convoqué pour exprimer notre indignation et obtenir des…
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.
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… https://t.co/KOj6fhpyM7United 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.
Universal outrage & condemnation from every high-ranking Israeli official from @IsraeliPM @IsraelMFA @gidonsaar @IsraelPresident @yechielleiter @IsraelinUSA for despicable actions by Ben Gvir. Flotilla was stupid stunt, but Ben Gvir betrayed dignity of his nation. https://t.co/trK6VjeTIX
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.
You may not treat Polish citizens who have committed no crime in this way.
In the democratic world we do not abuse and gloat over people in custody.
We demand justice for our citizens and consequences for you. https://t.co/7BmfoGi9a5Ireland
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.
Full statement: https://t.co/F4yOucMhNR pic.twitter.com/n7sMCt83Pv
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".
I have directed my officials to summon the Israeli ambassador regarding the heinous treatment of civilians aboard the flotilla. Civilians must be protected at all times. The video shared by Ben-Gvir is deplorable and documents the mistreatment of civilians. Canada has already… https://t.co/AviEXpkdYG
— Anita Anand (@AnitaAnandMP) May 20, 2026The abominable treatment of civilians aboard the flotilla, including that which is documented in footage shared by Itamar Ben-Gvir, is unacceptable.
Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs has directed officials to summon the Israeli ambassador to demand assurances regarding the…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.
The images shared by extremist Minister Ben-Gvir of detained Flotilla activists are shocking and unacceptable. This treatment of detainees violates basic human dignity. I raised this directly with my Israeli colleague @gidonsaar and will summon the Israeli ambassador. 1/2