Italy slams Ben-Gvir over 'unacceptable' remarks amid flotilla probe
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani on Tuesday said the far-right Israeli minister's comments were unworthy of his office after Rome prosecutors placed Ben-Gvir under investigation for the alleged torture and kidnapping of Italian activists detained during the seizure of a Gaza-bound aid flotilla last month.
Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani on Tuesday condemned remarks by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir as "unacceptable" and unbecoming of a government minister. Tajani was responding to attacks against Rome after prosecutors launched an investigation into the far-right politician over the treatment of Italian nationals detained during the interception of a Gaza-bound aid flotilla.
"These are unacceptable words, unworthy of a minister," Tajani said, referring to Ben-Gvir's social media posts targeting Italy. "Italy is a friend of Israel that has always defended freedom and democracy," he added, saying the remarks demonstrated the Israeli minister's moral standing.
Probe over activist detention
Rome prosecutors have opened an investigation into Ben-Gvir in connection with the treatment of Italian activists detained during the boarding of the vessel last month, examining allegations including torture and kidnapping. The probe was triggered by a video Ben-Gvir posted after the detention of the activists, according to Italian news agency ANSA.
The case forms part of a broader investigation into Israeli authorities' actions during the seizure of the flotilla. The Israel Prison Service has denied activists' allegations of abuse during their detention, it was reported.
European scrutiny mounts
Responding to the accusations, Ben-Gvir wrote on social media that Italy — commonly known as "the Boot" because of its shape — had become "the land of flip-flops." In a separate statement, he said he would not shy away from the investigation and would continue to stand alongside Israeli fighters.
Italy is the second European country to open a formal investigation into Israel's treatment of the detained activists, after France launched a probe last week into allegations including war crimes and torture. The European Union is considering whether to impose sanctions on Ben-Gvir amid growing anger over the treatment of the activists and violence in the occupied West Bank, with a decision expected next Monday.
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