Italy probes Israeli officials over alleged flotilla abuse

Tom Gallagher · 2026-10-16T16:20:19.388Z

Italy is right to look into these abuse claims from its own citizens on the flotilla.

Italy probes Israeli officials over alleged flotilla abuse — Photo: ששון תירם. The original uploader was Yarondvash at Hebrew Wikipedia. (Original / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)

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Rome prosecutors expanded an investigation into the treatment of Gaza-bound flotilla activists to include Defense Minister Israel Katz, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, military chief Eyal Zamir and other senior officials, 12 in total. The probe followed complaints from 50 Italian citizens detained after two Global Sumud Flotilla missions in September–October 2025 and April–May 2026. Alleged offenses include torture, kidnapping, personal injury, robbery and property damage. Activists from the first mission reported beatings, death threats and terrorism accusations; those from the second reported beatings in the dark and use of tasers and rubber bullets. In June prosecutors sent Israel a request for judicial assistance and held talks with Eurojust on similar European probes. Italy can prosecute crimes abroad against its citizens. Italy previously summoned Israel’s ambassador after footage showed Ben-Gvir mocking handcuffed, blindfolded activists at Ashdod; President Sergio Mattarella said the conduct sank to a "new low." Ben-Gvir dismissed the June investigation news, saying he would "continue to stand proudly alongside our fighters." Katz and Zamir did not respond to comment requests. Israel has denied the allegations; its prison service says detainees were treated lawfully. Flotilla organizers say they aimed to deliver aid; Israel says its blockade is lawful. Investigation does not establish guilt.