Italian Probe Into Gaza Flotilla Detainees Expands to Israeli Navy Officers

An investigation by the Rome prosecutor's office into the treatment of activists on flotillas bound for Gaza has been expanded to include several Israeli political, military, and prison officials. Initially focused on National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, the probe, which began following complaints from 50 Italian nationals detained by Israel, was broadened on October 16 to encompass command chains involved in the operations. The complaints stem from the Global Sumud Flotilla missions in September-October 2025 and April-May 2026. According to the Rome prosecutor, the investigation concerns alleged acts of torture, kidnapping, injury, theft, and vandalism. Complainants from the first mission reported beatings, injuries, death threats, and insults, while those from the second mission also alleged the use of rubber bullets and stun guns. These accusations have not been legally established.

According to the Jerusalem Post, the investigation now includes former navy commander David Saar Salama, his successor Eyal Harel, and officers from the Ashdod naval base and the Shayetet 13 commando unit. Israeli officials interviewed by the newspaper contested the inclusion of these military personnel, defending the navy's professionalism and calling the procedure politicized. Some acknowledged that allegations of mistreatment involving police or prison officers might warrant examination. These sources also claimed the judicial initiative was not coordinated with the Italian government, though this is the assessment of the Israeli sources and not a conclusion on the investigation's merits.

The Rome prosecutor's office stated in June that it had requested judicial assistance from Israel to reconstruct events and establish individual responsibilities, but did not specify if Israel had responded. Italian law allows for the prosecution in Rome of crimes committed abroad against Italian citizens under certain conditions. The opening of an investigation does not prejudge guilt or lead to a trial; a trial can only be requested if sufficient evidence is gathered.