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Israel’s ambassador to Australia has denied the zipping of activists detained while en route to Gaza is routine practice after video of far-right national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir abusing the cohort sparked international condemnation.
Mr Ben-Gvir, a hawk of Israel’s war in Gaza and expansion of the country’s illegal settlements, posted a video to his social media on Wednesday titled “Welcome to Israel”, which showed him taunting activist, with one woman forced to the ground up masked officers after shouting “free, free Palestine”.
Later, Mr Ben-Gvir can be seen waving an Israel flag in front of the activists, who are cuffed and kneeling face down in a tent.
Addressing the media, Israel’s ambassador in Canberra, Dr Hillel Newman, said condemnation of Mr Ben-Gvir’s actions from within the Israel’s government, including from Foreign Affairs Minister Gideon Sa’ar was “measure enough of how the leadership of Israel is dealing with the situation”.
“There can be ministers in Australia, politicians in Australia, even part of a party that is ruling that can do things which are disgraceful,” Dr Newman said.
“The question is how you respond, whether you condemn it. In this case, Ben-Gvir was condemned by the leadership of the State of Israel.”
However, Dr Newman ruled out the government in Israel removing Mr Ben-Gvir.
He said doing so was “not allowed” as the Israeli parliament, known as the Knesset, had entered caretaker mode on Wednesday ahead of fresh elections.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s longest serving leader, has relied on support from far-right parties like Mr Ben-Gvir’s ultranationalist Otzma Yehudit to remain in power as he faces charges of corruption and multiple wars in Gaza, Lebanon, and with Iran.
“You know, the fact that a person is right wing is not a reason to prohibit him from returning for elections or being a minister,” Dr Newman said.
“We have a robust democracy in Israel with far left and far right. Everyone is represented, including an Arab party in the Knesset,” he continued, noting the Supreme Court in Israel had cleared Mr Ben-Gvir from running in elections – the “kosher stamp”.
However, when asked whether security forces who in the video can be seen shoving a woman to the ground, had received the same stamp, Dr Newman denied their actions were regular practise, but also could not confirm whether Mr Ben-Gvir had given them their orders.
“The fact that it’s reached the news and everyone’s interested, it just shows that this is an irregular occurrence. It doesn’t occur usually,” he said.
“Perhaps it was perpetrated by Ben-Gvir himself, who has some control of some kind … when people are around a politician, sometimes they’re afraid to express their opinions.
“Perhaps the security forces that were there should have opposed what he was doing. I wasn’t at the scene. I can’t tell you exactly how it unfolded.
“What I can tell you is that once it was brought to the attention of the leadership of the State of Israel, it was condemned emphatically, unequivocally.”
Dr Newman called on journalists to question the motivation of the activists on-board the flotilla, claiming the blockade over Gaza was to stop weapons being smuggled into Gaza.
However, when asked whether weapons were on board, he said “no, I’m not saying that on these vessels we found arms, but we did not find humanitarian aid”.
Australia condemns treatment
Asked about the fate of Australians involved in the flotilla, Dr Newman said they were “certainly safe” and would be deported.
“No one is in harm’s way,” he said, defending the intervention of the ships as being having been “done smoothly”.
In a scathing response, Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong earlier said the images posted by Mr Ben-Gvir – who Australia has sanctioned for inciting violence against Palestinians – were “shocking and unacceptable”.
“We condemn his actions and the degrading actions of Israeli authorities towards those detained,” she said.
Speaking from Perth, Treasurer Jim Chalmers said he agreed with Senator Wong’s comments.
“I thought that was disgraceful. I thought that was shocking … There’s absolutely no need or no place for it,” he said of the video by Mr Ben-Gvir.
“When it comes to people who are engaged in that journey, obviously our departments try to discourage people from going down that path, but having gone down that path, they should be treated humanely.
“I can only imagine what it’s like to be a parent or a loved one of one of the people involved in that trip, and to see them treat them being treated that way.
“I think is deeply disappointing.”
Up to 11 Australians are part of the 430 activists who were participating in Global Sumud Flotilla – an international effort to break Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza and deliver much-needed aid – when it was detained by that country’s security forces.
“Australia’s Ambassador to Israel has made 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,” Senator Wong said.
“I have also directed DFAT to call in Israel’s Ambassador to Australia to reinforce this message.”
In a statement, the Executive Council of Australian Jewry condemned Mr Ben-Gvir’s for his “humiliating and disgraceful treatment of a group of overseas anti-Israel activists”.
“Nothing can excuse the appalling behaviour displayed by Minister Ben Gvir against a group of people who were being held in custody in Israel,” President Daniel Aghion said.
“We agree entirely with the comments of Israel’s Foreign Minister and Prime Minister condemning Ben Gvir’s actions as disgraceful.
“The fact that the group had been engaged in an unlawful and provocative action that would benefit Hamas was the reason they were detained, but it does not in any way justify their mistreatment while they were being held. There is simply no excuse.”
Mr Ben-Gvir’s video was met with widespread condemnation, including internationally and among the Israeli cabinet.
New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters said Australia’s trans-Tasman ally “condemns the behaviour of Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir”.
“Last year, New Zealand placed a travel ban on Minister Ben-Gvir for severely and deliberately undermining peace and security and removing prospects for a two state solution,” he said.
“His latest conduct with respect to the Gaza flotilla, which has been seriously criticised by his own Prime Minister, is further vindication of that position.
“We expect Israel to adhere to its international legal obligations, including in its treatment of New Zealanders participating in the flotilla.
“We have instructed MFAT to call in the Israeli Ambassador today to directly pass on our grave concerns.”
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said the “abominable treatment of civilians aboard the flotilla, including that which is documented in footage shared by Itamar Ben-Gvir, is unacceptable.
“Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs has directed officials to summon the Israeli ambassador to demand assurances regarding the safety and security of Canadians involved.
“Canada has already imposed strict sanctions on Mr Ben-Gvir, including asset freezes and a travel ban, in response to his repeated incitement of violence. The protection of civilians and respect for human dignity must be upheld everywhere, at all times.”
Israel’s own foreign minister, Gideon Sa’ar, condemned his fellow minister, stating that he “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.”
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