Israeli Minister ‘Betrayed Dignity of His Nation’: U.S. Ambassador Joins Uproar Over Gaza Flotilla Video

Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir was widely condemned both inside Israel and abroad after posting a video in which he humiliated Gaza flotilla activists in a detention center. Joining those expressing outrage was the U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, who called Mr. Ben-Gvir’s actions “despicable.” “Flotilla was stupid stunt, but Ben Gvir betrayed dignity of his nation,” Mr. Huckabee said on X. In the video, Ben Gvir is seen walking around the detention center waving an Israeli flag, saying “we are the landlords.” The activists, whose Gaza-bound flotilla was intercepted by the Israeli navy and brought back to Israel, are seen lying handcuffed on the floor with the Israeli national anthem playing in the background. Mr. Ben-Gvir is also seen arguing with one of the activists, telling him “Am Israel chai” (the people of Israel live), while commending police officers for doing a good job. The video immediately sparked backlash inside Israel and abroad, with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar telling Mr. Ben-Gvir: “You 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,” he added in the unprecedented rebuke. Mr. Ben-Gvir responded to Mr. Sa’ar’s accusations, saying: “There are those in the government who still haven’t figured out how to behave toward supporters of terrorism.”“Israel’s Foreign Minister is expected to understand that Israel has stopped being a pushover. Anyone who comes to our territory to support terrorism and identify with Hamas will get slapped, and we won’t turn the other cheek,” he added. Prime Minister Netanyahu condemned the video, saying: ”Israel has every right to prevent provocative flotillas of Hamas terrorist supporters from entering our territorial waters and reaching Gaza.”“However, the way that Minister Ben-Gvir dealt with the flotilla activists is not in line with Israel’s values and norms. I have instructed the relevant authorities to deport the provocateurs as soon as possible,” Mr. Netanyahu added. Several countries summoned Israeli ambassadors following the release of the video, including Italy and France. Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the footage of the activists “unacceptable,” and said she would “immediately” take all necessary steps to secure the release of Italian citizens in the deportation center. “Italy further demands an apology for the treatment of these demonstrators and for the utter contempt shown toward the explicit requests of the Italian government,” she added. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot also called the treatment of the activists “unacceptable”, saying: “Whatever one thinks of this flotilla — and we have indicated on several occasions our disapproval of this initiative — our compatriots who are participating in it must be treated with respect and released as quickly as possible.”

Israeli Minister ‘Betrayed Dignity of His Nation’: U.S. Ambassador Joins Uproar Over Gaza Flotilla Video

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