Israeli minister Ben-Gvir under investigation in Italy over Gaza flotilla

ROME — Italian prosecutors put Israel's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir under investigation over the treatment of activists who were part of a Gaza flotilla last month, a judicial source said on Monday.

The source, who asked not to be named, confirmed earlier reports by Italian news agencies and said Ben-Gvir was being investigated on suspicion of torture and kidnapping of Italian citizens who were among the activists.

If the probe determines that charges are warranted, prosecutors could lodge a formal request for trial.

In response to the Italian investigation, Ben-Gvir said in a statement: "I will not shy away from one investigation or another and will continue to stand proudly alongside our fighters."

"The land of the boot has become the land of the flip-flop," he added, referring to Italy's geographical shape, which resembles a boot.

His comments drew a sharp rebuke from Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.

"I have no words to comment on what Ben-Gvir said regarding Italy. Unacceptable words that we send back to the sender; they are not worthy of a minister," Tajani wrote on X on Tuesday.

Flotilla activists humiliated

Israel and Ben-Gvir have faced mounting international criticism after the minister in late May released a video showing detained Gaza activists kneeling with their hands bound after Israel intercepted the aid flotilla in international waters.

Organizers said the 430 activists detained by Israeli police included citizens of Italy and South Korea.

In a video Ben-Gvir posted on X, officers forced an activist to the ground after she chanted "Free, free Palestine."

An Israeli guard grabs the head of a member of the Global Sumud Flotilla and forces her down to the ground after she shouts “Free, free Palestine” at Ben-Gvir. She is then dragged away as he walks smiling past. Video from the Office of Itamar Ben-Gvir via Reuters

The government of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the treatment of the activists "unacceptable" and summoned the Israeli ambassador for an explanation.

Italy subsequently asked the European Union to discuss sanctions against Ben-Gvir, while France has decided to ban Ben-Gvir from its territory.

Flotilla organizers say they aimed to break Israel's blockade of Gaza by delivering humanitarian assistance, something aid bodies say is still in short supply despite a US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in place since October 2025 that includes guarantees of increased aid.

Israel says its naval blockade on Gaza is lawful. — Reuters