Italy Investigates Israeli Officials for Torture and Kidnapping of Gaza Flotilla Activists

Italian authorities are investigating suspicions of torture and kidnapping against a number of senior Israeli officials concerning their treatment of activists detained from protest flotillas that arrived in Israel. The investigation, which began in May, includes Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, whose own investigation was reported in June. Also listed as suspects are Defense Minister Yisrael Katz, Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, Police Commissioner Dani Levy, and Prison Service Commissioner Kobi Yaacobi, along with other security service officials.

The probe centers on two separate flotillas, with the treatment of activists from the more recent one in May drawing particular international condemnation. Minister Ben-Gvir released a video at the time showing detained activists being forcibly led at Ashdod Port, bound and with heads bowed, while he declared "Am Yisrael Chai" (The people of Israel live). The video also depicted a security forces member pushing an activist to the ground, with Ben-Gvir seen nearby commending the "good work." Later footage showed activists on their knees with heads bowed as the Israeli anthem played, and Ben-Gvir walking past them, telling security forces not to be moved by their cries.

According to security sources, most of the documented footage was from areas controlled by the IDF and police, while the incident with the activist shouting at the minister occurred in an area under Prison Service control. Concurrently, flotilla participants reported sexual assault and mistreatment during their detention in Israel. The Prison Service denied these allegations, which have not been independently verified. Flotilla organizers stated that at least 15 cases of sexual abuse and rape were reported, with the most severe occurring on an Israeli ship converted into a makeshift prison. These reports included humiliating strip searches, sexual provocation, groping, and allegations of anal rape and insertion of a firearm. Detainees were also reportedly thrown into containers and beaten.