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A “shocking” video featuring Israel’s defence minister Ben-Gvir taunting zip-tied activists over their support for Palestine has sparked global outrage and prompted Australia to haul in the Israeli ambassador in Canberra.
Hundreds of passengers have been detained after Israel boarded protest boats in the region as part of a flotilla to support Palestine.
There are 11 Australians among those detained by Israel. The activists are trying to break Israel’s maritime blockade of Gaza.
The Australians detained include Neve O’Connor, Sam Woripa Watson, Anny Mokotow, Isla Lamont, Juliet Lamont, Surya McEwen, Zack Schofield, Bianca Webb-Pullman, Gemma O’Toole, Violet Coco and Helen O’Sullivan.
In the video, posted on X with the caption “welcome to Israel,” the activists are forced to kneel on the ground with their hands zip-tied behind their backs.
One activist is shoved to the ground and others are forced to kneel with their hands tied and foreheads on the ground while the Israeli national anthem plays.
In one video, Mr Ben-Gvir says the activists “came here all full of pride like big heroes. Look at them now.”
In a statement, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the images were “shocking and unacceptable”.
“We condemn the actions of Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir – who Australia has sanctioned – and the degrading actions of Israeli authorities towards those detained,” she said in a statement.
“I have asked Australia’s Ambassador to Israel to make representations to Israel, reiterating our call for the release of the detained Australians and for Israel to ensure no ill-treatment of any detainees and to act in line with international obligations.”
The Israeli ambassador will be asked to attend a meeting with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to “reinforce this message”.
“We are deeply concerned for all 318 participants, the 11 courageous Australian friends and their families,” the Australian delegation of the Global Sumud Flotilla said in a statement.
Zack Schofield, climate activist from Newcastle, also aboard the flotilla has not been in touch with family since his arrest but released the following statement before his departure: “We have no illusion that this journey will be safe. We’re calling on the Australians back home to support the flotilla by putting pressure on the Australian government to end our complicity.”
The previous Sumud Flotilla resulted in seven Australians being detained by Israeli defence forces in international waters.
Rare rebuke
The video prompted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to rebuke the Defence Minister.
“Israel has every right to prevent provocative flotillas of Hamas terrorist supporters from entering our territorial waters and reaching Gaza,” Mr Netanyahu said.
“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.”
Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni also condemned te video.
“The Italian Government is immediately taking, at the highest institutional levels, all necessary steps to secure the immediate release of the Italian citizens involved,” she posted on X.
“Italy further demands an apology for the treatment reserved to these demonstrators and for the total contempt shown toward the explicit requests of the Italian Government.”
France summons Israel’s envoy in Paris.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said the images were unacceptable.
“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.”
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