Ben-Gvir digs in after global backlash over flotilla activists’ abuse video

Far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has doubled down after global outrage over video footage he shared showing Gaza flotilla activists being mistreated and held in stress positions by Israeli forces.

A video released by his office showed the minister taunting supporters while waving an Israeli flag as the national anthem played in the background.

Screams could be heard in the footage, while a female activist is grabbed by Israeli forces and thrown to the ground.

Despite criticism by governments around the world over the activists’ abduction in international waters, Ben-Gvir defended their mistreatment and attacked Foreign Minister Gideon Saar for saying the video damaged Israel’s image.

“There are those in the government who still haven’t figured out how to behave toward supporters of terrorism,” Ben-Gvir wrote on X. “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.

Saar had earlier said of Ben-Gvir: “You are not the face of Israel.”