Israeli Residents Condemn Ben Gvir's Actions, Fear Their Country's Image Abroad

A video clip of the Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir's brutality against Global Sumud Flotilla activists who were arrested. (X @itamarbengvir)

JAKARTA - The bad treatment of the Israeli military (IDF) and its National Security Minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, against the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) activists has drawn worldwide condemnation, including from Israeli citizens and officials.

Ben Gvir's political allies and opponents in Israel have accused the hardline right-wing politician of damaging his country's reputation.

However, most of them ignored the torture along with Ben Gvir's actions seen in the video footage that circulated widely on social media.

Middleeasteye on Thursday, May 21, reported that generally the criticism from Israeli citizens and officials focuses on concerns that Ben Gvir's behavior circulating on social media will damage the country's image and reputation abroad.

The Israeli Minister Ben Gvir, who often acts arrogantly against pro-Palestinian activists, uploaded a video on Wednesday, May 20, which showed Global Sumud Flotilla activists from many countries being treated badly when arrested by the Israeli military.

The activists were arrested in the middle of the waters while carrying out a humanitarian mission sailing with many ships carrying food and medicine to Gaza, which is suffering from a humanitarian crisis due to Israeli militarism.

That's how we get the terrorist supporters.

Welcome to Israel 🇮🇱 pic.twitter.com/7Hf8cAg7fC

— איתמר בן גביר (@itamarbengvir) May 20, 2026

In the footage, Ben Gvir, who appeared to be waving an Israeli flag, mocked and accused activists from the Global Ship Armada Sumud of being terrorists when they were treated harshly and forced to kneel facing the ground by military officers from the Israeli Prison Service (IPS).

Several world leaders, including officials from countries whose citizens are detained by Israel, later condemned Ben Gvir's rampage.

After being showered with international criticism, Ben Gvir's actions were sanctioned by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

"The way Minister Ben Gvir handles activists of the ship fleet does not conform to Israeli values and norms," Netanyahu said.