A huge controversy is shaking the world of media and diplomacy. Israeli Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben Gvir, published a shocking video on his social networks. We see international activists arrested at sea, on their knees and with their hands tied. The images provoked the anger of many foreign countries, but also a major crisis within the Israeli government itself.
Humiliating images that go around the world
In the images, the staging is heavy. The Israeli national anthem can be heard in the background. Dozens of international activists are seen kneeling with their hands tied behind their backs. Many have their faces pressed against the ground. The minister walks among them with a large flag. He says to the camera: “Welcome to Israel, we are at home”. At one point, an activist shouts “Free Palestine”. She is immediately tackled to the ground by security agents.
For Itamar Ben Gvir, this video is a great source of pride. He wanted to show an image of strength and firmness. But for the rest of the world, the shock is total. Several European countries such as Italy, Spain, France and Belgium have citizens among those arrested. International reactions were immediate and very violent.
A shower of convictions abroad against the minister
Western governments have not hidden their anger at this treatment. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the video unacceptable. It demanded an official apology and the release of its citizens. Spain spoke of a monstrous and inhuman spectacle. For its part, France summoned the Israeli ambassador to demand explanations. Canada and the United Kingdom also denounced a serious attack on human dignity.
Human rights associations are also worried. Lawyers say some activists suffered physical violence during their arrest. The countries concerned are now asking to be able to meet their nationals as quickly as possible to check their state of health.
A huge row at the top of the Israeli state against the minister
This video has not only angered foreign countries. It also caused a huge row within Israel’s government. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had to intervene publicly. He criticized the actions of his minister. According to him, these images do not conform to the values of the country. He immediately ordered the rapid expulsion of the activists to their countries of origin to calm things down.
Foreign Minister Gideon Saar attacked his colleague even harsher. He accuses him of having shamed the country and of knowingly destroying Israel’s image internationally. Ben Gvir responded to these attacks in Parliament. He accuses the rest of the government of showing weakness in the face of those he considers to support terrorism. This affair once again shows the enormous political tensions that exist in Israel. Ben Gvir’s video managed to create a global diplomatic crisis in the space of a few hours.
