Italy Investigates Israeli Defense Minister Katz Over Gaza Flotilla Incident

Italian prosecutors in Rome have expanded their investigation into the treatment of activists on Gaza-bound flotillas, now including Israel's Minister of Defense Israel Katz and other senior Israeli military and police officials. Previously, the probe, initiated after complaints from 50 Italian citizens arrested during two flotillas in October last year and May of this year, focused solely on National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. The investigation now encompasses the Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, Police Commissioner Dani Levy, and Prison Service Commissioner Kobi Yaacobi, along with other high-ranking figures.

According to Italian news agency ANSA, the list of Israeli officials under scrutiny also includes the current and former Navy Commanders, Eyal Harel and David Saar Salama, respectively, as well as Ketziot Prison Commander Menachem Bivas, Nachshon Unit Commander Assaf Zaguri, and Border Police Commander Yitzhak Barik. The allegations being investigated include torture, kidnapping, illegal boarding of vessels under international law, poor detention conditions, robbery, degrading treatment, and violations of fundamental rights, such as the right to legal representation.

The incident in May drew significant international condemnation, particularly after Minister Ben-Gvir released footage of activists being humiliated after their arrest at the Ashdod port. The activists were shown with eyes covered and kneeling with their faces to the floor. Italy's President Sergio Mattarella described Ben-Gvir's actions as reaching a "low point."

Minister Katz has not yet commented on the investigation, and Reuters reported he did not respond to a request for comment. The Chief of Staff has also not yet responded. Minister Ben-Gvir previously dismissed reports of an investigation in June, stating he would "continue to proudly stand by our fighters." His party, Otzma Yehudit, later issued a statement asserting Ben-Gvir "did what is right for the State of Israel" and is "proud of how he behaved towards the flotilla participants, as one should behave towards supporters of terrorism."

Activists from last year's flotilla reported beatings, injuries, death threats, and insults. Those from the May flotilla reported even harsher treatment, including beatings in the dark and the use of stun guns and rubber bullets. Prosecutors stated they identified several senior officials involved in the operations.

Rome prosecutors had previously requested legal assistance from Israel in June to gather information for the investigation, but it is unclear if Israel responded. The prosecutors have also been in contact with Eurojust, the EU's judicial cooperation agency, as other European countries are conducting similar investigations. Under Italian law, prosecutors can file criminal charges for offenses committed abroad against Italian citizens, though inclusion in an investigation does not automatically imply guilt or lead to prosecution.