Italian Probe into Gaza Flotilla Expands to Include Defense Minister, IDF Chief

An ongoing criminal investigation in Rome concerning the Gaza flotilla has been expanded to include Israel's Minister of Defense Israel Katz, IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, and several other senior Israeli security officials. The probe, initially focused on National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, now alleges kidnapping and torture in connection with the May flotilla events and the treatment of approximately 50 Italian citizens who participated.

Among the additional officials implicated are the current and former commanders of the Navy, Eyal Harel and David Salama, respectively, the Commissioner of the Prison Service Kobi Yaacobi, and the Commander of the Border Police Yitzhak Briq. The investigation also names heads of naval staff, the commander of Shayetet 13, the commander of the Ashdod naval base, the commander of Ketziot Prison, and the commander of the Prison Service's Nachshon unit.

Italian prosecutors are examining claims of violence and mistreatment of Italian citizens during the flotilla's interception and subsequent detention. Reports indicate that the Rome prosecutor's office suspects violations of international law during the seizure of vessels, alleging poor detention conditions, humiliating treatment, and denial of basic rights, including legal representation.

The prosecution claims that flotilla participants suffered beatings, threats, and humiliation during their arrest. According to a statement from the Rome prosecutor's office, an investigation by the ROS counter-terrorism unit reconstructed the events, concluding that the actions taken on the high seas, outside territorial waters, violated international maritime law. Equipment for live broadcasts was allegedly destroyed, and electronic devices were confiscated.

The statement further asserts that participants experienced systematic abuse from the interception at sea, through crowded transport to Ashdod port, and during their time at Ketziot Prison. These alleged abuses continued through identification and administrative procedures, up to their release and return to Italy. The prosecution contends that participants were denied adequate legal assistance and struggled to contact diplomatic representatives or lawyers during their detention.