Ben-Gvir Posts Video of Flotilla Activists Cable-Tied and Kneeling; Global Diplomatic Crisis Erupts

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir posted a video on social media on May 21, 2026 showing detained Gaza aid flotilla activists with their hands cable-tied behind their backs, kneeling or sitting in what appeared to be deliberately humiliating conditions, with the Israeli national anthem (Hatikvah) playing in the background. The video triggered an immediate global diplomatic explosion. Italy, France, the Netherlands, Canada, Turkey, Spain, Jordan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Brazil, Indonesia, Colombia, Libya, and the Maldives summoned Israeli ambassadors in protest. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani formally requested that the European Union impose financial and travel sanctions on Ben-Gvir, describing his conduct as a violation of 'human dignity' and 'international humanitarian law.' Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski announced Warsaw would seek to formally ban Ben-Gvir from entering Poland. Multiple EU governments expressed support for the sanctions request. Ben-Gvir dismissed all criticism and defended the video. The UN Human Rights Office restated that humanitarian aid delivery 'is not a crime.' Israeli activist Zohar Regev appeared in Ashkelon Magistrate's Court; detention was extended. The incident compounds the escalating international pressure following the ICC warrant proceedings against Smotrich, Ben-Gvir, and two IDF officials, and the flotilla interception on the high seas.