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

NEWS SUMMARY

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir faced backlash on Wednesday after overseeing the mistreatment of Gaza-bound flotilla activists, with critics arguing his actions and the subsequent release of footage damaged Israel's international image. While Prime Minister Netanyahu condemned the display as not in line with Israeli values, the criticism largely focused on the reputational damage rather than the activists' alleged abuse in custody.

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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

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

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