Italian Prosecutor Investigates Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir's Actions Against Global Sumud Flotilla Activists

JAKARTA - Italian prosecutors are investigating Israel's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir over his treatment of activists who were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla that tried to break through the Israeli blockade last month, a judicial source said on Monday.

The source, who asked not to be identified, confirmed earlier reports from Italian news agencies and said Ben-Gvir was under investigation for alleged torture and kidnapping of Italian citizens who were among the activists.

If the investigation determines that the charges are justified, prosecutors can file a formal request for trial.

Responding 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," as reported by Al Arabiya from Reuters (9/6).

"The country of boots has become the country of flip-flops," he added, referring to the geographical shape of Italy, which resembles boots.

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

"I have no words to comment on what Ben-Gvir said about Italy. Unacceptable words that we return to the sender; these words are not worthy of a minister," Tajani said on X on Tuesday.

Israel and Ben-Gvir are facing growing international criticism, after the minister in late May released a video showing a detained Gaza activist kneeling with his hands tied after Israel intercepted a flotilla of aid in international waters.

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

In a video posted by Ben-Gvir on X, the officer forced an activist to kneel after he shouted "Free, free Palestine."

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

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

Separately, organizers of the Global Sumud Flotilla said they aimed to break Israel's blockade of Gaza by sending humanitarian aid, something aid agencies say is still lacking despite a US-mediated ceasefire between Israel and Hamas that has been in place since October 2021 which includes guarantees of increased aid.

On the other hand, Israel says its naval blockade of Gaza is legitimate.