Italian Probe Expands to Include Israeli Defense Minister Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Zamir
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS French by baba
Italian prosecutors have expanded an investigation into alleged mistreatment of Italian activists arrested during Gaza flotilla missions in 2025 and 2026. Defense Minister Israel Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir are now included in the probe, which initially targeted National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir. The investigation follows complaints from around fifty Italian nationals who claim they suffered violence during their arrest and detention. Israel defends its maritime blockade of Gaza as a security measure.
The story in 7 lines · by baba
- Italian prosecutors are investigating alleged mistreatment of activists from Gaza flotilla missions.
- Defense Minister Israel Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir are now targets of the Italian probe.
- The investigation follows complaints from about fifty Italian nationals arrested during the missions.
- Activists claim they faced violence, including beatings and stun gun use, during arrest and detention.
- The probe was initially opened against National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir.
- Italian law allows investigation of offenses abroad against Italian citizens.
- Israel maintains its Gaza blockade is a necessary security measure.
Italian judicial authorities have broadened an investigation into alleged mistreatment of Italian activists arrested during Gaza flotilla missions in 2025 and 2026. The probe now includes Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, along with twelve other senior Israeli military, police, and prison officials. The investigation initially focused on National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir.
The proceedings stem from complaints filed by approximately fifty Italian nationals who participated in two Global Sumud Flotilla missions. These missions aimed to breach Israel's maritime blockade of Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid. The activists claim they experienced violence during their arrest and detention, reporting instances of beatings, threats, stun gun use, and rubber bullet shootings.
These allegations, which are yet to be judicially substantiated, have prompted Italian prosecutors to extend their inquiry to multiple levels of the Israeli command structure. Italian law permits its judicial authorities to investigate certain alleged offenses committed abroad against Italian citizens. In this context, magistrates have requested judicial cooperation from Israel and initiated coordination with Eurojust, the European Union's agency for judicial cooperation.
Israel maintains that its maritime blockade of Gaza is a necessary security measure to prevent weapons from reaching terrorist organizations. The inclusion of Minister Katz and Chief of Staff Zamir among those under investigation does not equate to an indictment; prosecutors must determine if the gathered evidence warrants prosecution.
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