Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar publicly criticised National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir over videos showing the mistreatment of activists from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, accusing him of deliberately damaging Israel’s international image.
In a post on X responding to footage filmed in Ashdod, Sa’ar wrote: “You have deliberately damaged the state with this shameful display, and this is not the first time.”
He added that Ben-Gvir had undermined the efforts of Israeli soldiers, diplomats and state employees, stating: “No, you are not the face of Israel.”
The controversy followed the circulation of videos showing Ben-Gvir and security personnel confronting detained flotilla activists after one participant shouted “Free Palestine.” The footage showed activists being humiliated and forcibly restrained while under Israeli custody.
The flotilla activists had been detained by Israeli forces after attempting to reach the Gaza Strip.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey condemned the Israeli operation, describing it as “piracy and maritime thuggery,” and said it had begun efforts to secure the immediate release of Turkish nationals involved.
The United Nations also called for guarantees regarding the safety of all detained activists and demanded that they not be subjected to physical or psychological harm.
