Italian AuthoritiesOpen Probe into Ben-Gvir’s Role in Global Sumud Flotilla Incident

Italian prosecutors have launched an investigation into far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir concerning the Global Sumud Flotilla case, according to the Italian news agencyANSA.

The investigation stems from remarks Ben-Gvir made in May, when he mocked activists who were shown kneeling with their hands bound behind their backs after being detained by Israeli authorities at Ashdod port.

ANSA reported that prosecutors in Rome had already opened a case weeks earlier into Israel’s interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla, alleging torture and unlawful detention.

The probe covers the interception of the activists—including Italian citizens—and the conditions in which they were held after Israeli forces seized the vessel.

In response, Ben-Gvir criticized the Italian authorities, saying that Italy, commonly known as “the Boot” because of the shape of its peninsula, had become “the land of the flip‑flop.”

He added: “Israel is not a punching bag for a group of lying terrorism supporters who fabricate slanders and falsehoods about our fighters.”

“I will not shy away from any investigation and will continue to stand proudly alongside our fighters,” he said.

The probe follows the Global Sumud Flotilla mission launched in April, which sought to challenge the Israeli blockade of Gaza. The convoy departed from Sicilian ports and comprised dozens of activists, solidarity campaigners, politicians, and members of parliament from Italy and other European countries.

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