Italian Probe Into Gaza Flotilla Raids Reaches Top Israeli Security Officials

A criminal investigation in Rome concerning the takeover of aid flotillas to Gaza and the treatment of their participants has reportedly reached the highest levels of Israel's security establishment, according to Italian media reports. The probe includes Defense Minister Israel Katz and other senior officials, with 13 individuals named in connection with the investigation, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, whose name was previously linked to the inquiry in June. The allegations under examination encompass kidnapping, torture, robbery, and causing damage to vessels, potentially endangering them.

Among the senior figures reportedly involved are Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, former and current Navy Commanders David Saar Salama and Eyal Harel, Police Commissioner Dani Levy, Prisons Commissioner Kobi Yaacobi, and Border Police Commander Yitzhak Barek. Other officials mentioned include those in the naval command chain, the commander of Ketziot Prison, and the commander of the Nachshon unit within the Prison Service.

The Italian investigation focuses on two missions by the Global Sud Sud flotilla in September-October 2025 and April-May 2026, stemming from complaints by approximately 50 Italian citizens who participated. Investigators have reportedly gathered evidence, analyzed videos and technical findings, and reviewed medical documents.

According to statements cited in the Italian media, findings include evidence of beatings and injuries, death threats, denial of food and medical treatment, sleep deprivation, and lack of adequate access to lawyers and diplomatic representatives. The reports recall a video published by Minister Ben-Gvir in May, showing him with detention officers and police forces at Ashdod Port during the seizure of flotilla activists. In the video, Ben-Gvir declared, "The summer camp is over. Whoever acts against the State of Israel will find a determined state, with Israel Chai." He also referred to the activists as "terror supporters" and told Prime Minister Netanyahu to "give them to me for a long time, give them to us for the terrorists' prisons."