UK Summons Israeli Ambassador; EU States Continue Pursuing Sanctions Against Ben-Gvir

On May 22, 2026, the United Kingdom formally summoned the Israeli ambassador in London over National Security Minister Ben-Gvir's flotilla abuse video, joining 14+ countries that had acted on May 21 and bringing the cumulative total to over 15 nations that issued formal diplomatic protests. EU member state foreign ministries continued internal consultations on implementing the Italian-led request for financial and travel sanctions against Ben-Gvir — a historically unprecedented step targeting a sitting Israeli cabinet minister. Poland continued preparing formal procedures to ban Ben-Gvir from entering Polish territory. Multiple EU governments noted that the same mechanism used for the unanimous May 11 EU settler sanctions vote — Hungary's new government dropping its traditional pro-Israel veto — could now also be applied to a sitting minister. Israel's foreign ministry defended the flotilla interception, dismissed the diplomatic reactions, and stated it retained the sovereign right to enforce its Gaza naval blockade. US Ambassador Mike Huckabee, who had called Ben-Gvir's conduct 'despicable' on May 21, reiterated US support for Israel's blockade enforcement while distancing from Ben-Gvir personally. The UN Human Rights Office continued to state that humanitarian aid delivery 'is not a crime.' ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I continued reviewing warrant applications for Ben-Gvir, Smotrich, and two IDF officials. With all flotilla detainees deported and the immediate crisis resolved, the political and legal fallout entered a sustained phase.