A viral social media video shared by Israeli far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has sparked international outrage, including condemnation from top Australian officials and even members of Israel’s own cabinet, over his humiliating mistreatment of detained activists from an international Gaza-bound aid flotilla that includes multiple Australian citizens. The confrontation took place this week when Israeli security forces intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla, a 430-person international campaign organized to break Israel’s years-long naval blockade of Gaza and deliver critical humanitarian aid to the besieged enclave. Among the detained activists are up to 11 Australian nationals, alongside participants from dozens of other countries including New Zealand and Canada.
In the video posted to Ben-Gvir’s social media channels Wednesday, titled mockingly “Welcome to Israel”, the hardline politician – who has long advocated for expanding illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank and has previously been sanctioned by Australia for inciting anti-Palestinian violence – can be seen taunting the handcuffed activists. Footage shows masked Israeli officers forcing one female activist to the ground after she chanted pro-Palestinian slogans, before Ben-Gvir waves an Israeli flag in front of a group of detainees forced to kneel face-down inside a detention tent.
Australia’s top political leaders were quick to issue a scathing rebuke of the incident. Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong called the published footage “shocking and unacceptable”, confirming that Australia’s ambassador to Israel had already formally raised the issue with Israeli authorities. “We condemn his actions and the degrading actions of Israeli authorities towards those detained,” Wong stated. The minister added that she had directed the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to summon Israel’s ambassador to Australia to reinforce Canberra’s demands: for the immediate release of all detained Australian citizens, guarantee that no detainees face mistreatment, and that Israel upholds its obligations under international law.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers echoed Wong’s condemnation during a press appearance in Perth, describing the video as “disgraceful” and “deeply disappointing”. While Chalmers noted that Australian government departments had previously discouraged Australian citizens from joining the flotilla voyage, he emphasized that even after they chose to proceed, humane treatment remained a non-negotiable requirement. “There’s absolutely no need or no place for it,” Chalmers said. “I can only imagine what it’s like to be a parent or a loved one of one of the people involved in that trip, and to see them treated that way.”
The condemnation extended beyond Australian political circles, even reaching within Israel’s own governing coalition. Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar publicly distanced his government from Ben-Gvir’s actions, stating that the national security minister “knowingly caused harm to our State in this disgraceful display – and not for the first time. You have undone tremendous, professional, and successful efforts made by so many people, from IDF soldiers to Foreign Ministry staff and many others. No, you are not the face of Israel.” Even the Executive Council of Australian Jewry joined in criticizing Ben-Gvir’s conduct. Council President Daniel Aghion said “Nothing can excuse the appalling behaviour displayed by Minister Ben Gvir against a group of people who were being held in custody in Israel.” While the council acknowledged the activists had undertaken an unlawful and provocative action that it argued would benefit Hamas, Aghion stressed that “it does not in any way justify their mistreatment while they were being held. There is simply no excuse.”
Other Western nations have also added their voices to the widespread international outcry. New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters announced that New Zealand – which already imposed a travel ban on Ben-Gvir last year for undermining prospects for a two-state solution – condemned the minister’s actions, and had instructed its foreign ministry to summon the Israeli ambassador to relay New Zealand’s grave concerns. “His latest conduct with respect to the Gaza flotilla, which has been seriously criticised by his own Prime Minister, is further vindication of that position,” Peters said. “We expect Israel to adhere to its international legal obligations, including in its treatment of New Zealanders participating in the flotilla.”
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also joined the condemnation, calling the documented abuse “abominable” and “unacceptable”. Carney confirmed that Canada’s foreign ministry had already summoned the Israeli ambassador to demand formal assurances for the safety of Canadian detainees, noting that Canada had previously imposed strict sanctions on Ben-Gvir, including an asset freeze and travel ban, over repeated incitement to violence. “The protection of civilians and respect for human dignity must be upheld everywhere, at all times,” Carney said.