US envoy to ‘Israel’ slams minister's “despicable actions” in video of flotilla activists

The US ambassador to ‘Israel’ sharply criticised far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir on Wednesday, after he posted a video showing detained activists from a Gaza-bound flotilla kneeling with their hands tied and foreheads on the ground.

"Universal outrage & condemnation from every high-ranking Israeli official... for despicable actions by Ben Gvir. Flotilla was stupid stunt, but Ben Gvir betrayed the dignity of his nation," Mike Huckabee wrote on X.

Ben Gvir’s video sparked international condemnation.

The video, shared on X by firebrand minister Itamar Ben Gvir, was published after ‘Israeli’ forces intercepted the flotilla's vessels at sea and began detaining hundreds of foreign activists at the southern port of Ashdod.

The video drew swift international uproar, while Ben Gvir himself was criticised by ‘Israel's’ Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar.

Captioned "Welcome to Israel", the footage shows dozens of activists forced to kneel with their hands tied and foreheads on the ground.

At some points, the “Israeli national anthem” can be heard playing in the background.

The footage also shows Ben Gvir heckling and waving an ‘Israeli’ flag among the detained activists.

European Commissioner Hadja Lahbib also criticised Ben Gvir, saying on X that "no one should be punished for defending humanity".

France said it had summoned the ‘Israeli’ ambassador over the "unacceptable actions" of Ben Gvir, while Madrid condemned the "monstrous" treatment of activists and said ‘Israel's’ charge d'affaires had also been summoned in protest.

Belgium summoned the ‘Israeli’ ambassador over what it said was a “deeply disturbing” video.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said "the abominable treatment of civilians aboard the flotilla... is unacceptable", adding that the foreign minister had directed officials to summon the ‘Israeli’ ambassador.

Ireland's Foreign Minister Helen McEntee said she was "appalled and shocked" by the video and demanded the immediate release of the activists, among whom is the sister of President Catherine Connolly.

Turkey's foreign ministry said Ben Gvir had "once again openly demonstrated to the world the violent and barbaric mentality of the Netanyahu government".

“Disgraceful display”

Ben Gvir also drew the ire of Netanyahu, who said the minister's conduct with the activists was "not in line with Israel's values and norms".

"I have instructed the relevant authorities to deport the provocateurs (activists) as soon as possible," Netanyahu said in a statement.

Saar said Ben Gvir had "knowingly caused harm to our State in this disgraceful display -- and not for the first time".

But Ben Gvir hit back, saying: "I am proud to be the minister in charge of the organisations that operated today against those supporters of terror."

"Yes, there will be all sorts of pictures that Gideon Saar does not like, but I think they are a great source of pride," he added at parliament.