Italy signaled that European Union members were discussing sanctions against Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir after he was filmed mocking detained activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said several EU countries were considering measures against the far-right minister.
Ben Gvir posted a video showing him waving an Israeli flag and heckling flotilla detainees with the caption Welcome to Israel. The footage drew condemnation from governments including Italy, Spain, Australia and Canada. Several countries summoned Israeli envoys to express concern.
Ben Gvir, who leads the Jewish Power party, has previously called for deporting political opponents and was barred from mandatory military service over his extremist views. He oversees police forces involved in the flotilla interception. EU sanctions would require agreement among member states and could include travel bans or asset freezes.
The flotilla deportations to Istanbul involved more than 400 activists who alleged abuse in custody. Israel denied the allegations. Italy’s prosecutors are separately investigating possible crimes against Italian citizens who were detained, including kidnapping and sexual assault. Rome has been among the most vocal European critics of Ben Gvir’s conduct.
Ben Gvir’s video showed him waving an Israeli flag among detained activists with the caption Welcome to Israel. Spain, Australia and Canada also summoned Israeli representatives. EU sanctions would require unanimous agreement among the bloc’s 27 member states.
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Sources:
https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog-may-22-2026/