Israelis slam Ben Gvir for ‘damaging country's image’ with flotilla abuse video

Israelis slam Ben Gvir for ‘damaging country's image’ with flotilla abuse video Submitted by Nadav Rapaport on Thu, 05/21/2026 - 14:39 Officials and opposition accuse security minister of harming Israel’s image while overlooking abuse shown in footage Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir taunted detained activists as they were manhandled by Israeli officers (Screengrab/X/@itamarbengvir) Off The video of Itamar Ben Gvir overseeing the mistreatment of Gaza-bound flotilla activists on Wednesday has sparked a backlash inside Israel , with both allies and opponents accusing him of damaging the country’s image while largely ignoring the abuse shown in the footage. The national security minister was filmed waving an Israeli flag and confronting activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla as they were being manhandled and forced to kneel facing the ground by officers from the Israel Prison Service (IPS). The footage drew condemnation from several world leaders, including officials from countries whose citizens were among those detained by Israel. Criticism also emerged within Israel, though it was largely focused on concerns that the video had damaged the country’s standing abroad. "The way that Minister Ben Gvir dealt with the flotilla activists is not in line with Israel’s values and norms,” said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, amid mounting international criticism.  Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said Ben Gvir had “caused harm to our state in this disgraceful display”, adding that the minister was “not the face of Israel”. According to Israeli public broadcaster Kan 11 , the foreign ministry, security establishment and the Israeli army’s spokesperson...

Original source: Middle East Eye