Italian prosecutors have launched an investigation into Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir over his treatment of activists who took part in a flotilla to Gaza last month, a judicial source said on Monday.
The source, who wished to remain anonymous, confirmed earlier reports by Italian news agencies and stated that Ben-Gvir is being investigated for suspected torture and kidnapping of Italian citizens who were among the activists. If the investigation determines there are grounds for indictment, prosecutors could file a formal request for a trial.
In response to the Italian investigation, Ben-Gvir said in a statement: “I will not back down from one investigation or another and will continue to stand proudly by our fighters.”
– The country of the boot has become the country of flip flops – he added, alluding to the geographical shape of Italy that resembles a boot.
His statements provoked a sharp reaction from Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.
– I have no words to comment on what Ben-Gvir said about Italy. These are unacceptable words that we return to the sender; they are not worthy of a minister – Tajani wrote on platform X on Tuesday.
Israel and Ben-Gvir have faced mounting international criticism after the minister released a video in late May showing detained Gaza activists kneeling with their hands tied, after Israel intercepted an aid flotilla in international waters.
The organizers announced that among the 430 activists detained by the Israeli police were citizens of Italy and South Korea.
In a video posted by Ben-Gvir on Platform X, police officers tackle an activist to the ground after she 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 interview to demand an explanation. Italy then asked the European Union to consider sanctions against Ben-Gvir, while France decided to ban his entry into its territory.
Organizers of the flotilla say their goal was to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza by delivering humanitarian aid, which humanitarian organizations say is still insufficient despite a US-brokered truce between Israel and Hamas that comes into force in October 2025 and includes guarantees to increase aid deliveries.
Israel maintains that its naval blockade of Gaza is legal.
(Vijesti.ba)
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