Israeli Minister Posts Video of Flotilla Activists, Threatens Jail
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir released videos on Wednesday showing himself among approximately 430 detainees from a Gaza-bound flotilla, after their arrival on navy ships at Ashdod port. The footage depicts activists with hands tied behind their backs, kneeling with heads touching the floor in a makeshift detention area and on a ship's deck. Ben-Gvir waved an Israeli flag and told detainees, 'Welcome to Israel, we are the landlords.' When one handcuffed activist shouted 'Free Palestine,' security personnel immediately pushed him to the ground. In a second video, Ben-Gvir called the activists 'big heroes' who came 'full of pride,' and appealed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for permission to imprison them. The minister faced criticism from politicians in Israel and worldwide for the 'unacceptable' treatment of the activists.
Key facts
- Itamar Ben-Gvir released videos of flotilla detainees on Wednesday.
- Approximately 430 activists were detained after arriving on navy ships.
- Videos show activists kneeling with hands tied in a makeshift detention area at Ashdod port.
- Ben-Gvir waved an Israeli flag and said 'Welcome to Israel, we are the landlords.'
- An activist shouting 'Free Palestine' was pushed to the ground by security.
- Ben-Gvir appealed to Netanyahu for permission to imprison the activists.
- Ben-Gvir was criticized by politicians in Israel and worldwide.
- The treatment of activists was described as 'unacceptable.'
Entities
Locations
- Israel
- Ashdod port
- Gaza