Israel has come under intense international scrutiny after a video posted on X by national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir showed detained Gaza flotilla activists kneeling with their hands bound following the interception of aid vessels in international waters.
The footage prompted a string of formal diplomatic responses and public condemnations from European capitals, North America, and within Israel itself.
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.
Italy
Italy’s government described Israel’s handling of the flotilla activists as unacceptable and said it would summon the Israeli ambassador for an explanation. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani demanded an apology for the activists’ treatment and what they called Israel’s "total disrespect" for Italy’s requests.
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 European Union.
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.
Responses from Israel
The international backlash also sparked criticism inside Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin 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".
Foreign Minister Gideon Saar criticized Ben-Gvir over the activists’ treatment, 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.
North America and other European reactions
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."
The Netherlands said it 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.
British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said she was "truly appalled" by the video. Cooper said Britain had demanded an explanation from Israel and stressed its obligation to protect the rights of British citizens and others detained.
In Washington, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee criticized Ben-Gvir over the treatment of the detained activists, saying that while the flotilla was a "stupid stunt," Ben-Gvir had "betrayed the dignity" of Israel with his handling of the detainees.
The episode has led to immediate diplomatic actions, including the summoning of ambassadors and calls for the detained activists to be freed. Several governments publicly framed the footage as unacceptable and called for accountability and explanations from Israeli authorities.
At the same time, the episode generated debate within Israel, where senior officials both defended the interception and criticized the minister’s conduct. The public remarks by Israel’s prime minister and foreign minister signal political sensitivity at home even as the government faces mounting international pressure.