Italian prosecutors have opened an investigation into Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir over his treatment of activists involved in a Gaza-bound flotilla last month, according to Asharq Al-Awsat.
A judicial source confirmed earlier reports by Italian news agencies, saying Ben-Gvir was under investigation on suspicion of torture and kidnapping of Italian nationals who were among the activists, Reuters said.
If the investigation reaches sufficient grounds, prosecutors could file a formal request for trial.
Ben-Gvir responded to the Italian probe with a statement saying that he would not “shy away from any investigation” and would continue to “stand proudly alongside our fighters.”
In May, Ben Gvir mocked detained activists seized by Israeli forces aboard a Gaza-bound aid flotilla in a video that has been circulated on social media platforms.
These remarks have sparked wide international criticism with the government of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni describing the treatment of the activists as “unacceptable” and summoning the Israeli ambassador for an explanation.
Moreover, Italy urged the European Union to consider sanctions against Ben-Gvir.
On Friday, Ireland also barred Ben-Gvir from entering the country, condemning what it described as his violent behaviors against pro-Palestinian activists.
This move followed a similar step taken by France when French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced on X that Ben Gvir is banned from entering the country, citing the minister’s “reprehensible actions” toward French and European citizens taking part in the Gaza-bound flotilla.
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